We have driven through Genova several times on our way to other places. It is chaotic, dirty and from a distance doesn’t look very inviting. However, we have heard lots of good things about the city, so we thought it was time to investigate further. Our friend Tina organised a small group to visit the international flower show and we tagged along. This way we didn’t have to drive.
a naked sailor
Across the road from the seaside venue where the flower show was held is a large statue of a naked sailor. Why not? Genova is a port, there must be lots of naked sailors around.
In the streets behind this area we found some beautiful old houses that must have been very grand in their day. Genova is the capital of Liguria and has been an important centre of commerce and politics for centuries.
an elaborate building front
guarding the door
beside the door
guarded by and angel
We went to the old part of town to have lunch and wander in the labyrinth of medieval carrugi, the narrow alleys that are characteristic of this area.
these streets are seriously narrow
there are some beautiful old buildings
A lot of buildings in this area are seriously neglected, which is a pity, because they must have been fabulous when they were brightly painted and new. It was an busy port and the streets would have been full of people coming and going from everywhere. Despite being shabby and run down it is very interesting wandering and looking at this fascinating area.
We had lunch at Trattoria Ugo. It was busy and friendly and served good local Ligurian food.
take your pick with the street number
inside the busy restaurant
Then it was back into the streets to look for the cathedral.
on the way to the cathedral
Genova's impressive cathedral
2 sad lions guard the church
The lions on either side of the church are from the 19th century. I thought they had sad faces.
this one looks worse
The facade of the church is elaborate and beautiful.
carving on the front of the church
some more
beside the door
the arched doorway
I love the colours and shapes
older carvings
looking up
The cathedral wasn’t open, but apparently the inside is amazing as well. I think I spotted another Neptune on the way back to the bus.
he seems to have lost his trident
We only had a few hours to discover Genova, nowhere near enough, but it was sufficient to make us want to go back to see more. It is only a couple of hours from Bagni di Lucca, so we will be back soon to stay a bit longer.