Travel guide Genoa

A tradition well established in Genoa. More than a preamble to the meal, the aperitif is a social ritual that takes place every evening between 7 and 9 pm, often served with a generous helping of nibbles. The custom is said to have been handed down from bartenders serving on transatlantic liners, who learned the art of concocting cocktails.

More than fifty stores have been operating for 70 years or more throughout Genoa's historic center, preserving their original decor and traditional tools. A true heritage of confectioners, weavers, dressmakers, barbers, druggists... All guardians of the know-how of yesteryear.

The Genoese chansonniers represent a whole generation of young singers who, in the late 1950s, revolutionized the style of Italian music. Among others, Luigi Tenco, Fabrizio De André, Gino Paoli and a whole group of friends wrote memorable, innovative lyrics, replacing the usual melodies with real poems.

These narrow alleys, intertwined as in a labyrinth, are the most characteristic element of the Genoese urban landscape and of Ligurian cities in general. Woven in this way to disperse invaders in case of incursion, even the contemporary visitor loses his orientation, fortunately easy to find.

Almost every crossroads in Genoa's historic center has its own religious aedicula. Guilds and private individuals used to erect them for protection. Made of marble or slate, some are veritable works of art. There are some 330 of them, built between the Middle Ages and the early ^20th century.

In this city with a history stretching back thousands of years, the past has left behind not only vestiges, but also ghost stories that have been the talk of the town. And these ghosts continue to appear. Most appear to occupants where they once lived, while others, more daring, wander around specific sites.

Who knows why this ancient poor man's dish is so beloved in Genoa? Its success lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Flour, olive oil and salt; it is said that in the villages, naturally salted seawater was used. Creamy and delicious, it's part of Genoa's cultural heritage, and a must-try.

An emblem of strength and daring, the griffin is the symbol of Genoa, present on its coat of arms and in its iconography. When Genoa became part of Savoy, the griffin with its tail raised was required to "lower its tail" on official effigies. An affront to the Genoese, who were quick to raise it once the monarchy had fallen.

More than 80 Renaissance and Baroque palaces dot the central streets of Genoa's historic center. These magnificent residences preserve collections of exceptional works of art. While you'll only be able to visit the palaces that have been converted into museums, many of them open their doors to the public during Rolli Days.

It's the symbol of Genoa and Liguria. Made from simple ingredients (basil, pine nuts, pecorino or parmesan, garlic and olive oil), the real thing for Genoese is made with basil from Prà, one of Genoa's western districts. Today, pesto is one of the most sought-after products in the world.

This term refers to the traditional black-and-white pebble pavement patterns that decorate squares and church squares in Genoa and the surrounding region, an elaborate figurative art form that is among the most accomplished in Liguria. The harvested pebbles are arranged in various decorative patterns, for a highly artistic result.

Established between 1576 and 1644, the Rolli system designates these parchment scrolls on which were inscribed the addresses of the palaces of Genoa that had the honor of receiving the high dignitaries passing through the Republic. A real prestige! There are five copies of this system, now preserved in the State Archives of Genoa.