Choose from 39 Fun Things to Do in Piedmont Liguria
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Serralunga d'Alba Castle
With its square keep and imposing towers perched on the hilltop above Serralunga village, Serralunga d'Alba Castle commands attention and it boasts an idyllic location, looking out over the UNESCO-listed Barolo vineyards. Built in the 14th-century, the castle never saw battle and remains in remarkable condition with much of the original medieval fortress still intact.
Visitors can explore inside the castle on a guided tour and learn about its unique architecture, which resembles a French donjon rather than an Italian castle; admire the coffered ceiling and magnificent frescoes of the Salone dei Valvassori (Great Hall); and stroll through the Palacium. Don’t forget to take in the views from the ramparts – the castle’s high vantage point affords stunning views over Piedmont and the surrounding vineyards.
Practical Info
Serralunga d'Alba Castle is located in Serralunga, around 11km east of Barolo by car. The castle can be visited by guided tour only (adults: €6) and opening hours are as follows: mid-March-April: Sat-Sun 11am-1pm & 2-6pm; May-June: Mon, Thurs and Fri 2 6pm & Sat-Sun 11am-1pm & 2-6pm; July-Oct: Mon, Thurs and Fri 2-6pm & Sat-Sun Sat-Sun 11am-1pm & 2-6pm.
Address: Via Castello, Serralunga 12060, Italy
Hours: Varies
Admission: By guided tour only: Adult: £6, Adult: 18-25 years: €3, Child: Free
From $ 122
Via San Lorenzo
The street called Via San Lorenzo runs in a southeasterly direction from close to the port in Genoa to one of the city's major public piazzas.
Perhaps the biggest attraction along Via San Lorenzo is the church that shares its name "“ the Genoa Cathedral, or Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. It was consecrated in the early 12th century, and the square in front of the church was Genoa's only public piazza during the Middle Ages.
Today, one of Genoa's most popular piazzas is just up Via San Lorenzo "“ Piazza Matteotti leads from the street up to the Palazzo Ducale, and the Chiesa del Gesù e dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea is off to one side. The church was built in the late 16th century, while the Palazzo Ducale dates from the late 13th century.
Practical Info
Via San Lorenzo runs from next to the Piazza della Raibetta, near the San Giorgio Metro stop near the port, and continues southeast past the cathedral until you reach the Piazza Matteotti. If you continue beyond the piazza, the street changes its name "“ but further along you'll see an impressive 12th century city gate with two semi-circular towers, as well as an 18th century reconstruction of the house in which Christopher Columbus lived as a boy.
Address: Genoa, Italy
From $ 17
Portovenere
Portovenere’s brightly painted buildings, lively harbor, and clifftop castle make it a quintessential Italian Riviera town, perched on the rocky shores of the Gulf of Poets (Golfo dei Poeti). An easy detour from the wildly popular Cinque Terre National Park, this comparatively tranquil seaside town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history, delicious seafood, and stunning backdrop of cliffs, caves, and coves—making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, or just relaxing.
The Basics
Portovenere is most often visited on a day trip from La Spezia, San Gimignano, Siena, Milan, or, most commonly, Florence. Most tours combine free time in this oceanside town with stops in the coastal villages of Cinque Terre for hiking, dining, and exploring. It’s also possible to admire the picturesque waterfront aboard a sailing cruise around the Golfo dei Poeti.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If visiting in summer, be sure to pack sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Public transportation to and from Portovenere is limited, so joining a tour is the best option for those without a car.
- White some hotels, ferries, and attractions in Portovenere are wheelchair and stroller accessible, the village’s steep and narrow lanes can be challenging for those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Located at the southern tip of Cinque Terre National Park along the Italian Riviera, Portovenere is reachable by car (year-round) and ferry boat (mid-April through October only) from nearby villages such as La Spezia, Levanto, and Vernazza. It is set 102 miles (164 kilometers) west of Florence and just nine miles (15 kilometers) from La Spezia.
When to Get There
The most atmospheric, albeit crowded, time to visit Portovenere is during the summer season (May to August). The town is a popular destination any time of year, but be aware that many hotels, restaurants, and attractions close down in low season.
The Legend of the Golfo dei Poeti
La Spezia Bay is better known as the Golfo dei Poeti, or the Gulf of Poets, and its natural beauty has been inspiring poets since Roman times. Poets Persio, George Sand, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Eugenio Montale have all mentioned the bay in their verses, while one of the coastal caves is named after former resident Lord Byron.
Address: Portovenere, Italy
From $ 139
Palazzi dei Rolli
It's often said that all of Genoa's historic center is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but in truth the designation is more specific. It includes the city's "Strade Nuove," or new streets, and the system of "Palazzi dei Rolli."
The collection is made up of 42 palaces, all built in the 16th-18th centuries, which were listed on city's register "“ the rolls, or "rolli," which later gave the system of palaces its name. Each time a dignitary was on a state visit to Genoa, he or she needed a place to stay that was worthy of his or her status. The palazzo that got the honor was chosen at random from the "rolli."
The Palazzi dei Rolli were an early example of a city and its citizens forming a partnership of architectural design as well as cooperative urban planning. The palaces are unique, but they are of a design that suits the overall style. The Palazzi dei Rolli were added to UNESCO's list in 2006.
Practical Info
There were different categories of Palazzi dei Rolli, and most of the top tier palaces were on Via Garibaldi, Via Lomellini, and Via Balbi.
Address: Genoa, Italy
From $ 17
Palazzo Ducale
From the 14th through the 18th centuries, the rulers of Genoa were called doges, and they ruled from the Doge's Palace "“ the Palazzo Ducale in Italian "“ in the historic city center. Today, the palace is open to the public as a museum.
The Palazzo Ducale was built starting in the 1250s, although the finishing touches on the building weren't complete until the 1530s. The palace once served as both the residence for the ruling doge and the offices from which he would govern the Republic of Genoa. The palace was added to at various points over the years, and partially rebuilt twice (once after a fire in the 1770s).
There are two main entrances to the Palazzo Ducale. The main entrance is on the Piazza Matteotti, and a secondary entry is on the famous Piazza de Ferrari. Today, the palace serves various civil functions. There are regular exhibitions held in the palace, including visiting contemporary art shows, as well as a couple of large halls that are often used for events. Those halls are decorated with historic frescoes, making the venue part of the highlight of any event held there.
Practical Info
The Palazzo Ducale is open every day, but since the exhibitions change regularly you'll need to consult the tourist information office in Genoa or simply visit the Doge's Palace to find out what's on display when you're in the city.
Address: Piazza San Marco, Venice 31024, Italy
Admission: 16.00 euros
From $ 17
Area Marina Protetta Portofino
The Ligurian town of Portofino is popular with visitors for its pastel-colored buildings, but it's also home to an important protected marine area "“ the Area Marina Protetta. The site covers just under 350 hectares of the sea off the coast around the whole promontory (not just the town), and was established in 1999. It is known for its diverse sealife, and its protected status helps ensure those populations remain.
Different parts of the protected area include Zone A, where everything from boating and anchoring to diving is prohibited, and Zone C, where there are far fewer restrictions on activities. In some places, visitors are more than welcome to swim and even kayak, stand-up paddleboard or dive.
Practical Info
In addition to the offshore marine protected area, much of the promontory of Portofino is also a park, where there are nearly 50 miles of paths. Several towns are enclosed in the park's boundaries.
Address: Portofino, Liguria 16034, Italy
From $ 85
Museum of the Automobile (Museo dell'Automobile)
Turin is headquarters to Fiat and Alfa Romeo, so it's only fitting that the city is home to the Museum of the Automobile, as well. With one of the largest collections of cars on display in Europe, this museum is a mecca for antique car enthusiasts as well as those interested in prototypes for cars of the future.
The Basics
The Museum of the Automobile (Museo dell'Automobile) was founded in 1932, making it one of the oldest automobile museums in the world. In 2011, the complex underwent an extensive renovation and reopened with a contemporary new look and engaging curation. Its three floors walk visitors through the automotive history of not just Italy, but the world, with a collection of nearly 200 cars (including some of the first cars made in Italy), as well as racing cars made by Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. There are cars from eight different countries on display, plus an extensive library on automotive history.
A stop at the Museum of the Automobile is a must for car buffs, and the museum can be visited during a hop-on-hop-off tour of Turin along with other city sights like Piazza Castello, the Mole Antonelliana, Piazza Carlo Felice, and the Duomo.
Things to Know Before You Go
- In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts a number of temporary exhibitions dedicated to automobiles and automotive history.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- The Museum of the Automobile is especially engaging for kids interested in cars.
- There is a museum shop and cafe located in the ground-floor atrium.
How to Get There
The Museum of the Automobile is located just south of the center of Turin just along the Po River, and is well-served by a number of city bus lines and the Lingotto metro stop. Turin is a major transport hub in northern Italy, and it's connected by high-speed rail to other important Italian cities like Milan, Rome, Florence, and Venice.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily except Monday afternoons and Tuesday mornings. It's best to visit on weekdays, when the space is less crowded than it is on weekends.
Turin's Automotive Past
The sprawling Lingotto building, just around the corner from the Museum of the Automobile, was originally a FIAT automobile factory that opened in the 1920s and was shuttered in 1982. Architect Renzo Piano revamped the complex, and it now contains concert halls, a theater, a convention and shopping center, and a hotel. Visitors can still see the original internal spiral roadway used to move cars through the vertical assembly line and the rooftop test track.
Address: Corso Unitàd'Italia, 40, Torino, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Church of San Giorgio
Portofino's waterfront is a jewel of the Italian Riviera with its pastel-colored buildings, but the vibrancy also extends onto the surrounding hills, where the bright yellow Church of San Giorgio sits overlooking the Portofino harbor. The original church on this site was built in the 12th century before it was expanded and later totally destroyed during World War II. The church seen today dates from 1950, although some features are from earlier structures.
The church takes its name from Portofino's patron saint, whose relics were brought to the city after the Crusades and are kept inside the church in a shrine. The small piazza in front of the church offers wonderful views over Portofino.
Practical Info
Mass at the Church of San Giorgio occurs on Saturday evenings in winter at 5pm and in summer at 6:30pm, and on Sundays and holidays at 11:15am. In July and August only, Sunday Mass is at 6:30pm.
Address: Salita San Giorgio, Portofino, Liguria 16034, Italy
From $ 85
Via Garibaldi
One of the most famous historic streets in the center of Genoa is the Via Garibaldi. This street has had a few names over the centuries, but it's always been a fashionable address.
What we know today as Via Garibaldi was first built in the mid-1500s, when it was called Strada Maggiore "“ or "Great Street." Later, it became known as "Strada Nuova," or "New Street." It was renamed in 1882 for Italy's great revolutionary leader, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and in 2006 the street and the historic palaces on it were added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.
From the time when the Via Garibaldi was first designed and built, it was intended to be a street upon which the wealthy families of Genoa would build their homes. The street was soon lined with palaces, each occupied by a noble family, and many passed down through generations and hundreds of years. Today, several of those former private homes are now public museums and galleries, and the entire street is a feast for the architecturally inclined.
Some of the palaces you can visit along the Via Garibaldi are the Palazzo Rosso, the Palazzo Bianco, and the Palazzo Doria Tursi. Some of the buildings are not open to the public, but with a good guided tour of Genoa you'll be sure to not miss any of the ones you can get into "“ many of which have beautiful old frescoes on internal walls.
Address: Via Garibaldi, Genoa, Italy
From $ 17
Pietro Micca Museum
Pietro Micca was a soldier in the Savoy army in the early 18th century, and during the Siege on Turin he became a national hero. There is now a museum dedicated to him in Turin.
In 1706, the French and Spanish armies marched on Turin (then part of the Duchy of Savoy) during the War of Spanish Succession. Pietro Micca's job in the Savoy army involved tunneling in the mines underneath Turin's citadel. In late August of 1706, Micca heard French soldiers making their way up into the mines. He barred his door and exploded two barrels of gunpowder just as the soldiers broke through his barricade, killing most of them. Micca himself was severely injured and died later of his wounds, but by preventing the French from getting into the citadel he helped the Savoy army eventually defeat the French.
The Pietro Micca Museum was opened in 1961 to commemorate Micca's heroic act and the Savoy defeat of the French and Spanish armies, and the building stands over the tunnels in which Micca once worked. Visitors to the museum can descend into the tunnel network.
Practical Info
The Pietro Micca Museum (Museo Civico Pietro Micca a dell'Assedio di Torino del 1706) is located near the Porta Susa train station – it's a short walk from there or the Porta Susa metro stop. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-6pm, and closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is €3. A museum visit including a 90-minute guided tour of the tunnels is available Tuesday-Saturday at 10:30am, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm, and on Sundays at 10:30am, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, and 4:30pm.
Address: Via Francesco Giuseppe Guicciardini, Torino 10121, Italy
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: €3
From $ 32
Royal Palace Museum (Museo di Palazzo Reale)
The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) in Genoa (Genova) is one of the city’s Palazzi dei Rolli, magnificent residences built by the Genoese aristocracy during the Republic of Genoa’s height of wealth and power. Get a glimpse into the city’s opulent baroque period by touring the sumptuous interiors and art collection of this palace museum.
The Basics
Though the palace seems designed for royalty, it was actually built in the early 17th century for the Balbi family, who sold it to the wealthy Durazzo family just a few decades later. Originally called Palazzo Balbi, it only became the Royal Palace in the 19th century when the Royal House of Savoy moved in. The Palazzo Reale is now a museum filled with a collection of fine antique furniture and decorated with frescoes, stuccowork, and paintings by important artists, such as Tintoretto and van Dyck.
The Museo di Palazzo Reale is an unforgettable stop on Genoa walking tours and one of the city's main attractions, along with the Nautical Museum (Galata Museo del Mare) and Genoa Aquarium. If touring independently, book admission in advance so you can skip the lines upon arrival.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Walking tours of Genoa involve a considerable amount of time on your feet, so choose comfortable shoes.
- The palazzo is accessible to wheelchairs via an elevator.
- Flash photography is not allowed inside the museum.
- A tour of the Royal Palace Museum is especially interesting for art and architecture aficionados.
How to Get There
Genoa is the capital of Liguria and one of the most important ports in Italy, so it’s easy to reach by train from any other major Italian city. The Royal Palace is just a 5-minute walk up Via Balbi from the train station.
When to Get There
The museum is open all day, so it’s a good stop during those tricky early afternoon hours when many churches and other attractions close for lunch. Keep in mind that the Royal Palace Museum is closed on Mondays, and Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Highlights of the Royal Palace Museum
Be sure to visit the ornate Piano Nobile, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Throne Room. Outside, you can also tour the pretty palace gardens.
Address: Via Balbi, 10, Genoa, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 7
Piazza de Ferrari
Piazza de Ferrari is the expansive main square in Genoa, separating the historic district from the modern city center. Its large fountain is the square's centerpiece and a central meeting point for tourists and locals alike. The piazza is named for Raffaele de Ferrari, who donated a lot of money to help expand Genoa's port in the 1800s.
The Basics
Piazza de Ferrari is a bustling area featuring many important buildings such as the Palazzo Ducale, once the Palace of the Doge of Genoa and now used as a cultural center; the neoclassical opera house of Genoa, Teatro Carlo Felice; and the old stock exchange building. You can walk to the piazza and stroll around on your own, or book a city sightseeing tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore Piazza de Ferrari and other Genoese landmarks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The piazza is a must-visit for first-time visitors to Genoa, especially those who love architecture.
- There is little shade in the piazza, so bring sun protection if you plan to visit during the day.
- The streets in and around the piazza are cobblestone and uneven, so wear comfortable shoes to walk around.
- Strollers and wheelchairs may have some trouble navigating the bumpy piazza.
How to Get There
Piazza de Ferrari is located in the heart of Genoa, in the Molo neighborhood. It's an easy walk from the historic city center and the Old Port. Alternatively, take the metro to the De Ferrari stop; a number of city buses also stop in the main square.
When to Get There
As Piazza de Ferrari is Genoa's main square, it is always bustling. The piazza hosts many events throughout the year, including the lighting of the city's Christmas tree and the Genoa City Festival. The best times to visit Genoa are between May and September, when the weather is warm and relatively dry.
Palazzo Ducale
One of the piazza's most significant structures is the Palazzo Ducale, the grand mansion of the former Doge of Genoa. The large palace was built in 1298 and is filled with sculptures, frescoes, and marble columns"”flaunting the wealth of Genoa during its peak maritime trade. The palace is also home to La Grimaldina, or the People's Tower, which served as a jail for political prisoners and commoners.
Address: Piazza de Ferrari, Genoa, Italy
From $ 17
Piazza Caricamento
One of Genoa's main public squares "“ the Piazza Caricamento "“ is located along its famous waterfront.
Whether you're in Genoa because you're on a cruise or you're simply visiting this historic city on your own, you'll no doubt spend plenty of time at the city's waterfront. The port is Italy's largest, so there's always lots going on, which makes the placement of the Piazza Caricamento particularly good for anyone who likes people-watching.
The piazza sits across from the pier on which the Genoa Aquarium sits, and extends underneath a road overpass away from the harbor. The 13th-century Palazzo San Giorgio sits on the piazza's southern end.
Practical Info
Piazza Caricamento is a popular meeting point for many guided tours, and there's a tourist information office located in the square.
Address: Genoa, Italy
From $ 17
Royal Church of San Lorenzo (Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo)
Next to Turin's Royal Palace, you'll find (not surprisingly) a royal church – the Royal Church of San Lorenzo, to be exact. Construction on the church was completed in 1687, and it was consecrated in 1680. The Royal Church of San Lorenzo (Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Italian) was built around an older structure, a former chapel for the Dukes of Savoy, which you can see near the entrance of the current church.
Designed by Modena master-architect Guarino Guarini – who was also a priest – in the 1660s, the church is located to the left of the entrance gates of the Palazzo Reale, its plain, pastel-hued façade topped by a lacy dome and hiding a frothy interior.
This fanciful Baroque jewel is smothered in oil paintings, exquisite wooden carving, gilt and multi-colored marble, with an ornate octagonal layout and eight wildly elaborate side chapels covered in seraphim and gilding. The central cupola is decorated with a six-point star, which was the signature flourish of the architect Guarini, and seems to dance as beams of sunlight pours through its windows. Its high altar is one of the most extravagant in Italy, fronted with an inlaid marble floor, studded with gilt and adorned with twisted marble columns and cherubs as well as statues of the ruling Savoy family; this is all backed by a portrait of San Lorenzo (St Lawrence in English), the patron saint of Turin.
Practical Info
The Royal Church of San Lorenzo is located near the entry gates of the Royal Palace, just off the Piazza Castello. It's open for visitors Monday-Friday from 7:30am-12pm and 4-7pm. On weekends, it is open from 9am-1pm and from 3-7:30pm. Admission is free. Much of Turin’s Baroque heart is pedestrianized and it is easy to walk to all the main sights. Alternatively, take trams 4, 13, 15 or 18 to Piazza Castello.
Address: Via Palazzo di Città, 4, Torino 10122, Italy
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-12pm & 4pm-7pm, Sat 9am-12pm & 3pm-6pm, Sun 3pm-6pm
From $ 237
Po River
The longest river in Italy, the Po flows down from the Alps near the French border for more than 400 miles (644 kilometers), winding its way east through Turin, Piacenza, and Ferrara and connecting to Milan via a network of canals before emptying into the Adriatic Sea. The Po Valley is one of Italy’s most fertile and lush regions.
The Basics
The Po River has been an important waterway for thousands of years. The vast Po Valley lining the river has rich soil due to the Po’s frequent flooding, making the valley one of the most fertile agricultural regions in Italy. In addition, the river powers a number of hydroelectric plants, so the valley is a critical industrial hub.
The most beautiful stretch of the Po is its final delta, just south of Venice and straddling the Veneto and Emilia-Romagna regional border. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and regional park, the Po Delta covers wetlands and wooded areas, and is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife. You can visit the Po River as part of a walking tour of Turin or another city along the river’s path, or by joining a guided nature tour of the Po Delta Park on the Adriatic coast.
Things to Know Before You Go
- City walking tours and nature tours of the Po River are outdoors and require significant time on your feet, so choose comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- A city river walk or a visit to Po Delta Regional Park can be fun for kids who need a break from museums and churches.
- A number of park visitor centers and paths are accessible to wheelchairs; contact Po Delta Regional Park for detailed accessibility information.
- The park is especially popular for birdwatching, due to the many and varied bird species that migrate and nest in the delta.
How to Get There
The Po runs through several cities in northern Italy, and can be visited via scenic bridges and river walks along the water’s edge in Turin, Piacenza, and Ferrara. Po Delta Regional Park is located on Highway 309 on the Adriatic Coast, along the border between Emilia-Romagna and Veneto; there is no public transportation to the park, so the best way to visit is to join a guided tour that includes transport.
When to Get There
The Po is particularly beautiful and enjoyable in the mild months of spring and fall. During the hottest summer months, it’s best to visit the Po Delta park in the early morning or late evening to avoid the midday sun.
The Overflowing Po
One of the main agricultural crops grown in the Po Valley is rice, thanks to the river's frequent flooding into the surrounding plains. Dams and dykes help control the overflow, but the plains are still at risk for floods during heavy rains that bring both damage and rich sediment to the area.
Address: Turin, Italy
From $ 32
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is photogenic from every angle, thanks to its jumble of multicolored buildings cocooned between dramatic sea cliffs and fronted by an expanse of blue ocean. The largest and southernmost of northern Italy’s five Cinque Terre villages, Riomaggiore is the place for romantic promenades, sipping coffee in traditional cafés, and bird watching along the rocky shores.
The Basics
Riomaggiore makes a good base for sailing or kayaking along the Italian Riviera coast; wine-tasting tours to the Montenero vineyards; and hiking and mountain biking excursions in Cinque Terre National Park, which encompasses all five Cinque Terre towns. Day tours to Riomaggiore run from La Spezia, Siena, Florence, and Milan, and typically also visit the neighboring villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola, as well as nearby Portovenere.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Riomaggiore can get busy in peak summer season, so book tours and accommodations in advance.
- Bring comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, as the village roads are steep and often uneven.
- While many hotels and tourist attractions in Riomaggiore are wheelchair and stroller accessible, the village’s steep and narrow lanes can be challenging to navigate for those with mobility issues.
How to Get There
Located in Cinque Terre National Park, just south of Manarola along the Italian Riviera, Riomaggiore is a two-hour drive from Florence or a 30-minute drive from La Spezia. Parking is limited in Riomaggiore, so unless you are staying in town overnight, it’s best to join a tour or arrive by train from La Spezia (a five-minute ride). Alternatively, from mid-April through October, ferries connect Riomaggiore with La Spezia, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, and Manarola.
When to Get There
Riomaggiore sees the most visitors and the highest temperatures—upwards of (100°F (40°C)—in summer. Hikers should aim to visit in May or September to avoid the peak heat, while budget-minded travelers should note that hotel prices rise in August. Visiting in winter is possible, but some hiking trails may be inaccessible in heavy rain or icy conditions.
Buon Appetito!
Home to some of Cinque Terre’s best restaurants and cafés, Riomaggiore is a great place to sample authentic Ligurian cuisine. Look out for signature dishes such as coniglio alla ligure (red wine–braised rabbit) and pesto alla Genovese (pasta with fresh pesto), street foods like pansotti (stuffed pasta) and farinata (chickpea pancakes), and the sweet dessert wine Sciacchetra.
Address: Riomaggiore, Italy
From $ 55
San Lorenzo Cathedral
In the heart of Genoa’s old town, San Lorenzo Cathedral (Duomo) is the most important church in the city. It’s a soaring Gothic and Romanesque masterpiece in alternating bands of black and white marble, where the magnificent art and architecture serve as reminders of this former maritime republic’s historic wealth and power.
The Basics
Construction of Genoa's cathedral began in the early 11th century, though the facade and interiors weren’t completed until centuries later under Perugian architect Galeazzo Alessi. As a result, the architecture blends Romanesque, Gothic, and mannerist elements. Inside, the cathedral is decorated with sumptuous 14th-century frescoes and is home to the chalice said to have been used by Christ during the Last Supper (displayed in the Treasury Museum beneath the cathedral).
San Lorenzo Cathedral is a popular stop on hop-on hop-off or private walking or scooter tours, along with the Palazzi dei Rolli, Palace of the Doges, and Old Port. Tours of Genoa’s historic center can be paired with day trips to the nearby coastal villages of Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, and the Cinque Terre.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Comfortable shoes are recommended if you’re taking a walking tour of Genoa.
- Photography without flash is allowed inside the cathedral.
- Modest attire that covers shoulders and knees is required to enter the church.
- The Cathedral is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The San Lorenzo Cathedral is located in the heart of Genoa’s historic center, an easy walk from the port and a short metro ride from the train station. Get off at the De Ferrari stop.
When to Get There
The cathedral closes daily from noon to 3pm, so be sure to plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon to be able to admire the interiors and visit the Treasury Museum on the lower level.
Underground Treasures
Beneath the main level of the cathedral, the Treasury Museum displays a collection of sacred art and religious artifacts in gold and silver, dating from the 11th to the 19th centuries. Highlights include the ninth-century glass Sacro Catino (believed for centuries to be Jesus’ Holy Chalice), the Byzantine Croce degli Zaccaria reliquary, and a chest containing the ashes of St. John the Baptist.
Address: Piazza San Lorenzo, Genoa 16123, Italy
From $ 139
Valentino Castle (Castello del Valentino)
Set in acres of landscaped parkland on the banks of the Po River, Valentino Castle (Castello del Valentino) is Turin’s most stately building and one of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy.
The UNESCO-listed royal palace dates back to the 16th century, but its heyday was under Duchess Christine of France, who redecorated in a style fit for her lavish parties. Today, visitors can admire many of the beautifully preserved rooms, including the Roses Room, the Zodiac Room, the Valentine Room and the War Room, each richly decorated with white and gold stuccoes, colorful frescoes, and elaborate friezes.
As well as touring the former palace, visitors can enjoy views from the castle gardens, now a public park and a popular inclusion on walking and biking tours of Turin.
Practical Info
Valentino Castle is located on the Po Riverfront in central Turin, and is open to visitors on the first and third Saturday of every month. Guided tours (held at 10am and 1pm) are free of charge, but reservations are recommended.
Address: Viale Pier Andrea Mattioli, 39, Turin, Italy
Hours: First and third Saturday of each month
From $ 93
Santa Margherita Ligure
The resort town of Santa Margherita Ligure on the Italian Riviera is often outshined by its famous neighbor, Portofino, but deserves no less attention. The larger of the two, Santa Margherita Ligure feels less overrun with tourists while offering similarly quaint cafes and boutiques, pastel-painted buildings, and glorious views of the sea.
The Basics
A popular holiday destination among Italians, Santa Margherita Ligure is much less well-known among international travelers, making it an attractive alternative to other coastal towns in Liguria, like Cinque Terre and Camogli, which are often expensive and crowded.
You can easily explore the town's sights during a half-day walking tour and still have time to relax on the beach before sunset. Attractions include a 16th-century castle (Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure), the Chiesa di Santa Margherita d'Antiochia and adjacent Santuario di Nostra Signora della Rosa, the tiny Oratorio di Sant'Erasmo set directly on the water's edge, and Villa Durazzo, known for its 19th-century English-style botanical garden.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Santa Margherita Ligure has a number of beaches: The most popular are the Spiaggia Minaglia, the Spiaggia Regina Elena, and the Bau Bau beaches along the road to Portofino.
- The town is relatively level and compact, though Villa Durazzo is set on a hilltop just outside the center, so some uphill walking is required.
- With its mix of indoor and outdoor sights and beaches, Santa Maria Ligure is an ideal destination for families on a private tour.
How to Get There
Unlike Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure has a train station, making it easier to access from elsewhere in Italy. High-speed trains from Milan, Rome, Florence, and Venice connect through Genoa (Genova), just a 30-minute train ride away. From Portofino, you can take the bus or ferry.
When to Get There
Santa Margherita Ligure is a seaside town and so is best visited during the tourist season from April through September when shops and restaurants are open. Many businesses shutter for the winter.
Cervara Abbey (La Cervara)
Along the coastal road between Santa Maria Ligure and Portofino, the 14th-century Cervara Abbey—also known as the Complesso Monumentale La Cervara, Abbazia di San Girolamo, or San Girolamo al Monte di Portofino in Italian—is a beautiful complex including a church, cloister, and gardens. The abbey is located within the confines of the Portofino Regional Park (Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino) near Paraggi Bay (Baia di Paraggi).
Address: Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
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