Saturday 24th June 2023

Via Garibaldi : Via Balbi : Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato : Piazza De Ferrari : Cathedral of San Lorenzo : Basilica di Santa Maria delle Vigne :Church of Santa Maria Maddalena 

Today we have decided to check out some of Genoa’s architecture, to wander down the two major historic streets named Via Garibaldi and Via Balbi and to take a look at the city’s piazzas.

On our way to Via Balbi, we decided to pop into an imposing church. The church, we learnt, was actually Genoa’s Catholic Cathedral and has a grand name to match its grand neo classical façade.

The Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato has a stunning Baroque interior with an incredible frescoed ceiling and dome.

 

 

 

 

 

There are over one hundred and fifty palaces in Genoa; forty two of these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Many of the palaces were built in the 16th and 17th century and were home to the aristocratic and powerful Genoese families.

They are a contrast to the densely populated area known as the Carruggio Alleyways. For hundreds of years these alleys have been home to a multinational society speaking a multitude of languages.  These narrow thoroughfares connect the major streets and are interesting to wander through.  However, we were warned not to venture through them after dark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We popped our heads into huge doorways, some of which were the entrances to palaces, and followed other tourists into ornate vestibules preceding the official entrances.

I followed one couple into a large open entrance with a stucco decoration at the centre of its ceiling, a few large double doors were in front of us, and a man opened one of the inner doors. It was a garage with a Fiat 500 and a motorcycle inside.

The unusual sight in the garage was a collection of gilt framed pictures on the wall.  Maybe his wife didn’t want them in the house!

The Piazza De Ferrari is classed as Genoa’s most impressive square.  It has a large fountain and various grand buildings.  The stock exchange has offices here.

At one point we popped into a tourist information centre for directions

The lady informed us that it was a celebration day.  It was their patron saint day, San Giovanni and special liturgies were being held.

 

 

This explained why some of the churches were restrictive as to where tourists could go.

These churches had sections cordoned off, allowing only locals into the main part.  This allowed only a limited view; we assume visitors can wander more freely on other days.

There were a couple of suited security guys at one place who shouted at a young lady. I think she was inappropriately dressed for a religious building, especially on a saint’s day!

Everywhere was very busy with locals and visitors.  It was a perfect opportunity for the buskers.  We stopped to listen to one or two, including a young lady playing an electric violin.

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is the Duomo of Genoa; the roman catholic cathedral has a Gothic façade. Its interior has superb stonework.

 

 

 

 

 

Genoa has a funicular linking its city centre to the neighbourhoods situated at a much higher level. From the top, there are panoramic views across the city and port.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back down in the city centre we found an eatery named ‘Café de Artists’, it was situated in a pedestrianised shopping street. The majority of the shops were closed due to the bank holiday.  Seated outside the café, we enjoyed a delicious late lunch of prosciutto and melon and also bressola on rocket topped with parmesan shavings.

Outside the café, we spotted a small signpost to the Basilica Di Vigna so we thought we would head in that direction.  The Basilica was built in the 10th century and is situated in the heart of the city’s historical centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small flower arrangements with gypsophillia and daisies were tied with white ribbon to the end of each pew. The daisies were unfortunately already wilting in the heat.  A man was playing a guitar and a lady was playing a violin, they were doing a sound check.  A wedding was about to take place.

This basilica has the most incredible artwork. We sat for a while listening to the duo playing their instruments while gazing at the beautiful frescoed ceilings and dome.

Wedding guests started to arrive in their finery, most of whom quickly retired to the coolness of a café’s terrace in the small square outside.

The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena had a Baroque interior and spectacular huge frescoes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In need of some respite from the intense heat we headed back to our accommodation. On the way we had a couple of cherry ice cream cones.

It was still 29 degrees at 7pm when we set off again to see a concert at the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato which we first visited this morning.

The place was filling up quickly when we arrived.

The concert promised songs from Gershwin, John Williams, Freddie Mercury and Puccini.

Two large screens had been set up in the huge majestic religious building.  It was interesting to see some of the concert in such an amazing venue.

We left the performance at the interval due to us having a dinner reservation. For a complete change we ate at a Chinese Restaurant and chose to sit inside due to the space being air conditioned.  The meal was delicious.

Retracing our steps through the city we walked some of the streets we had walked earlier in the day.

Indeed, we passed the place where I had peeped in earlier with the framed pictures in the garage.

This time I noticed a plaque which stated that the building was one of the city’s palaces but that only the first floor was available for viewing.

The Piazza Ferrari looked lovely with its fountain and some of its buildings illuminated.

 

 

 

 

 

Previous                    Next