Hotels Genoa, Guesthouses Genoa and Residences Genoa

Genoa, the regional capital of Liguria, is one of the most appreciated cities in Italy, since it gathers inestimable works of art, glorious past vicissitudes and the most important commercial port of the Peninsula. Genoa's medieval core overlooks Porto Vecchio, a natural basin situated just in the heart of the homonymous Gulf. A workaday place, it is ringed by busy roads and 1960s buildings. Among the vestiges of its medieval glory is the 117-metre-high lighthouse known as La Lanterna.  The commercial and industrial development Genoa experienced over the course of the centuries made it an important gathering place for trade across the Mediterranean, and contributed to its expansion up to the hills of the hinterland, which turned Genoa into a sort of an amphitheatre-shaped city overlooking the sea.

Its 35-kilometre-long coastline and mild climate make Genoa an appreciated holiday destination which attracts large numbers of tourists from all over the world. Those flocking here in summer will have the possibility to stay at well-equipped hotels situated near the coastline. The area of the Ancient Port, which is comprised between Piazza Caricamento, dominated by the thirtheenth-century Palazzo San Giorgio, and the Basin and Parodi Bridge, which is also known as Expo Area since it was completely renovated by Genoan architect Renzo Piano on the occasion of the Expo of ’92, is scattered with intimate inns and guesthouses. This area also includes Genoa's Aquarium, the so-called Bigo, which was realized by Renzo Piano, the Museum of the Sea and plenty of modern services and facilities. Levante's area, which gathers the beautiful sea promenade of Corso Italia and the picturesque Boccadasse fishing village, hosts plenty of comfortable 3-star  guesthouses and luxury 4-star hotels.
Those looking for pleasant stays just in the heart of the old town can take advantage of the numerous bed and breakfasts which are situated in the main streets and squares of the city. Hotels and guesthouses situated in the old town give guests the possibility to visit the most important artistic and historical sights cherished by the city.

Genoa's old town is one of the largest in Europe and gathers fascinating small squares and narrow streets, the so-called caruggi, which are dotted with impressive monuments and buildinsg dating back to different ages which contributed to the origin of its power as a seafaring city state, as well as sumptuous palaces which now host cultural events and contemporary art exhibitions, such as the thirtheenth-century Ducal Palace, which once hosted the Doges of the Republic and now contains a major arts and cultural centre.
Next to the Ducal Palace are Piazza De Ferrari and its bronze fountain, which are said to be the city's most important gathering places. The square is dominated by Carlo Felice Theatre, the Art gallery and the Academy of Arts, and is wholly surrounded by the city's main shopping avenues. Opposite the Ducal Palace is the Cathedral of St. Lorenzo, the most important religious building of the city. Built in the Romanesque-Gothic style between the XII and the XIV century, it features a black and white striped exterior and two bell towers dating back to subsequent ages. The interior houses such treasures as colourful mosaics and XII-century Byzantine frescos. Steps lead down from the sacristy to the Museum of the Treasure of St. Lorenzo.
The nearby Church of St. Matteo, together with the square and palaces commissioned by the Doria family between the XIII and the XVIII century, stand out as some of the most fascinating spots of the city.  Visitors are well rewarded when they explore Genoa, a city proud of its history and legends. The palaces of Via Garibaldi, a monumental street designed in the XVI century and flanked by important sixteenth- and seventeenth-century mansions and palaces, and the paintings and sculptures dotted around the city in churches and museums, are among the finest in northwestern Italy. Palazzo Bianco, which is situated just in the heart of Via Garibaldi, is a typical example of Baroque architecture from Genoa and contains the city's prime collection of paintings. Across the street in Palazzo Rosso are more paintings, as well as ceramics and furniture. Another enchanting collection of works of art is cherished by the National Gallery of Palazzo Spinola, situated just in the heart of Piazza di Pellicceria.
The most important streets of the city centre are scattered with important museums, Baroque and Renaissance palaces featuring outstanding inner courtyards, lively theatres and open-air arenas and plenty of curious  workshops selling local items.
After the tasting of traditional cooking from Genoa, which gathers trenette or trofie al pesto (Ligurian dishes of flat noodles with a sauce of basil, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil), delicious focaccia bread made with Ligurian olive oil and the famous cima alla genovese (Ligurian stuffed breast of veal), visitors will have the opportunity to spend their evenings in the lively Piazza delle Erbe, where pubs and clubs are open till late at night. Piazza Caricamento too attracts plenty of people, since it gathers lively clubs overlooking the port which often stage open-air concerts and events. Corso Italia gathers plenty of summer clubs, while Parco delle Mura often hosts absorbing music festivals and open-air parties while offering guests the possibility to enjoy breathtaking views over the whole of the city.