Enjoy an alternative Italian city break this winter in Genoa
Those looking for a more unusual Italian city break this winter can head to Northern Italy’s Genoa. The city is the capital of Liguria, home to pesto and birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Filled with churches, winding medieval streets, new exhibitions and incredible sea views from the newly re-opened Lanterna (lighthouse) Liguria is an ideal destination for a winter or Christmas shopping break with mild temperatures averaging 10 ºC.
New exhibitions
A new photography exhibition has opened at the Palazzo Ducale dedicated to American photojournalist Steve McCurry. Running until February, the exhibiton is an anthology of his work, many of which have never been exhibited before. It features over 200 large portrait photographs of children, shepherds and workers who portray the drama and strife of war, including his iconic Afgan Girl. Entry is £10 for adults and £3 for those under 18.
Palazzo Ducale is also running a Miró exhibtion until April called ‘Poetry and Light’. The exhibition ran successfully in Rome throughout the summer and has now re-located to Genoa. The exhibtion features 80 works ranging from oil paintings to teracotta, bronzes and watercolours, including the masterpiece Woman in the Street (1973) and focuses on the second half of Miró’s artistic career. Entry is £12.
For more information: palazzoducale.genova.it
Christmas markets and celebrations
The San Nicola Market in Piccapietra Square turns into a buzzing village each December with nearly 80 artisans selling gifts made from wood, metal and glass as well as food stalls offering tempting wines, cheeses and sweets made locally. A huge Christmas tree lights up the city centre and there are always at least 40 nativity scenes put up throughout the city.
La Lanterna Re-Opens
After a year of closure Genoa’s iconic lighthouse, which is an iconic symbol of the city, has re-opened. Dating back to 1128 it is one of the oldest structures of its kind in the world. It is possible to climb the 172 steps to the top of La Lanterna where visitors gain an impressive view over the port and bay.
History
Those looking for history can head to Il Centro Storico, the old heart of the city and the largest medieval city centre in Europe. Visitors can explore its maze of narrow streets or caruggi, discover medieval churches and visit San Matteo Square, which symbolises the power of the Doria Family, one of Genoa’s most important families.
One of the most spectacular churches in Genoa is the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo with its distinctive black-and-white striped façade. Inside, visitors can see the Chapel of St. John the Baptist and the Museum of Sacred art which exhibits archaeological finds, sculptures, Genoese paintings, reliquaries and liturgical vestments.
The Royal Palace is one of the most magnificent buildings in the city. Built in 1643, the palace has retained its original interiors with intact frescoes and decorations. Visitors will be able to see the enormous atrium with its 18th-century stuccoes, the Court of Honour and the lavishly decorated ceremonial rooms such as the Throne Room, The Ballroom and the Hall of Mirrors. Adult tickets are £3. palazzorealegenova.it
One of Genoa’s most famous inhabitants was Christopher Columbus and the house where he is believed to have spent his youth, in the medieval Porta Soprana, is open to visitors. The house has been reconstructed in the style of the 14th century to recreate what it would have looked like when Columbus lived there. porto-santo.com/en/cristopher-columbus.html
Gastronomy
Food lovers looking for authentic Ligurian food, and delicacies to take home for presents, can head to the enormous Mercato Orientale. The food market has hundreds of stalls selling locally pressed olive oil, pesto, freshly baked foccacia, cheese and meats and sweet treats perfect for stocking fillers!
For the best from Ligurian chefs, visitors can head to one of the restaurants included in the Genoa Gourmet group (genovagourmet.it). These restaurants are dedicated to providing visitors with authentic Ligurian dishes. Their menu’s have to have at least four dishes which have been approved by the Italian Academy of Cuisine, as well as four Ligurian wines and the use of local produce where possible. Suggested restaurants in the Genoa Gourmet Group include the award winning Zefferino (ristorantezeffirino.it) and Al Veliero for fresh fish.
How to get there
Cox and Kings (coxandkings.co.uk) offer three night city break packages from £495 per person including three nights accommodation in the NH Marina Hotel, return flights from London Gatwick with British Airways, airport transfers and breakfast. Alternatively British Airways fly to Genoa from London Gatwick and Ryanair flies to Genoa from London Stansted. ba.com / ryanair.com)
