Genoa
From CruisersWiki
Genoa, Italy
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 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
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Genoa is one of the Italy five most important cities and a major trading port for over 900 years. For nearly 800 of those years, from 1005 to 1797, the Republic of Genoa was an independent state, whose influence extended over much of the Mediterranean Sea. Even today, substantial Genoese remains, including cathedrals, bridges and fortifications are to be found not only along the Ligurian coast and in Corsica and Sardinia but also in the eastern Aegean islands of Chios, Samos and Lesvos, the island of Cyprus, the North African coast and even along the Black Sea coast as far as Samsun. Until the 14th century, Genoa and its merchants were one of the most potent trading entities in the Mediterranean, a position which was only eroded by the rising power of Venice following the city’s defeat by a Venetian fleet at the battle of Chioggia in 1380. The final blow to Genoa’s status came with its subsequent occupation by the French forces of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797, by which time Genoa’s imperial ambitions were already at an end.
Not surprisingly, many traces of the city’s former prosperity are to be found in the city, including some impressive mediaeval city gates; a grand Palazzo Ducale; an imposing Romanesque cathedral and several splendid renaissance palaces. The city’s Via Garibaldi, which contains most of the palaces, achieved World Heritage Site status in 2006. Close by is a house where Christopher Columbus, the city’s most famous son (albeit it was the Spanish Crown which funded his expeditions to the New World), is reputed to have been born.
The port has long been the hub and mainspring of Genoa’s prosperity, and this is a situation which persists today, the city still bearing the proud title of Italy’s most important seaport, with a trading volume of over 60 million tonnes. In 1992 the harbour area hosted Expo 92, a celebration of the 600th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America, as a result of which it underwent a major transformation, including the construction of a magnificent aquarium. Further additions to coincide with the 2001 G8 Summit in Genoa have turned the port area into one of the city’s major attractions. Yachtsmen have also benefited from the area’s development, turning what was a grim commercial area into a pleasant, if very busy, stopping off point for an exploration of Genoa’s history and culture or a quick trip home from Genoa’s international airport. Berthing choices in the port consist of the marinas of Genova Aeroporto, Sestri Ponente, Porto Antico, Molo Vecchio, Abruzzi and Fiera di Genova (where the annual Genoa Boat Show is held). For details, see below.
Charts
British Admiralty charts 1998 - Nice to Livorno, including Gulf of Genoa; 354 and 355 - Genoa East and West
Italian charts 2, 54, 55
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
The prevailing winds along the western part of the Ligurian coast during the summer are a SW or SE seabreeze, which rarely gets up much above force 4-5. Along the eastern part of the coast, the winds tend to come more from W or NW and are again usually little more than moderate. While infrequent, gales are not unknown during the spring and early summer and are typically caused by depressions further west in the Golfe du Lion which bring strong N winds as they move further E. In winter, the tramontana, a strong N wind off the Alps, is more frequent, although the libecchio is a strong SW wind that can affect the whole of the Ligurian coast and blow for several days, causing heavy seas.
Sources for weather forecasts:
- There is a continuous (computerised voice) weather forecast on VHF 68 - first in Italian and then followed with an English translation.
- The same forecast is given in Italian and English on VHF coastal stations following a notification on channel 16.
- Navtex weather forecasts are broadcast from stations at La Garde (Toulon), Roma and Cagliari (Sardinia).
See marina details. If yacht is getting discharged, from ocean carrier, inside breakwarter in commercial/industrial harbour, you must have authorisation to navigate out (east) in channel. "Richiesta autorizzazione per transito canale n. 5 imbarcazioni" August 2011 - 15€
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
See marina details.
Offshore Islands and Groups
- None.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
The principal marinas in Genoa are (from W to E):
- Marina Genova Aeroporto
- Marina Sestri Ponente
- Marina Porto Antico
- Marina Molo Vecchio
- Marina Abruzzi
- Marina Fiera di Genova
Porto Vecchio showing Marina Porto Antico (left) and Marina Molo Vecchio (right)
Anchorages
None.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
See marina details.
Repairs/Yards
See marina details.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
See marina details.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
A comprehensive visit to all of Genoa’s many tourist attractions would probably take 10-14 days, such is the wealth of historical and cultural relics in the city. The port area itself, rejuvenated to coincide with Genoa’s election as European City of culture in 2004, includes a spectacular Aquarium visited by nearly 1.5 million people annually and two intriguing creations by architect Renzo Piano, the Biosfera, a glass dome filled with tropical vegetation and butterflies, and Il Bigo, a huge derrick which lifts an observation capsule high into the air for wonderful views over the city. At the SW corner of Porto Antico is the renowned 15th century lighthouse of La Lanterna, from which there are equally impressive views of the harbour area. The old town to the E of Porto Antico and its narrow alleys called caruggi are fascinating to explore, lined with historic palazzos, many of which can be visited. At the eastern end of the maze of streets is Piazza de Ferrari, the city’s grandest square, framed by the elegant Palazzo Ducale, former seat of Genoa’s rulers, the Palazzo della Borsa, the city’s former stock exchange, and the neoclassical Teatro Carlo Felice. A few hundred metres to the west is the city’s Cathedral of San Lorenzo, an ornate 12th century edifice constructed in distinctively Genoese style using alternating black and white marble. North from Piazza de Ferrari is the Via Garibaldi, where most of Genoa’s magnificent family palazzos are to be found, including the Palazzos Rosso and Bianco (both now art galleries), Palazzo Doria Tursi (now the town hall), Palazzo del Podesta and Palazzo Spinola, both of which have impressively frescoed courtyards. For relics of Genoa’s military past, visit the Porta Soprana due S of Piazza de Ferrari, an imposing gate that is all that remains of Genoa’s 12th century walls. Nearby is an old house claimed to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Finally, for a look at Genoa’s monumental 17th century fortifications, take the funicular railway from Largo della Zecca up to Righi, from where a number of walking paths lead to the defensive walls and a series of powerful fortresses.
 Piazza de Ferrari |
 Cathedral of San Lorenzo |
 PortaSoprana |
 Forte Sperone (17th century) |
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Excellent provisions shops close to the harbour. Fish market and vegetable market on the waterfront.
Eateries
- Numerous bars and restaurants along the waterfront and in the town.
Internet/WiFi
See marina details.
Laundry
See marina details.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
- Numerous rental outlets in the city.
Garbage Disposal
Bins at all marinas.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
- International and domestic flights from Cristoforo Colombo airport (close to Marina Sestri Ponente and Marina Genova Aeroporto)
- Train services to Rome, Milan, Turin and Pisa
- Ferries to Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily; others to Spain and Tunisia
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
- http://www.turismo.comune.genova.it/spip.php?lang=en
- http://wikitravel.org/en/Genoa
- http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/liguria-piedmont-and-valle-daosta/genoa
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
- Italy - Lonely Planet (9th edition, February 2010)
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- Data compiled from web research (please update if possible) --Athene of Lymington 12:46, 27 November 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Italy | Genoa | |
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