Genoa has plenty of museums, palaces and sites to visit and enjoy. It also has a large sea port, and its medieval center is the largest in Europe and partly a UNESCO site.
This city tour takes you to some of the Medieval sites within the city.
The Porta Soprana or Porta di Sant'Andrea was one of the gates to the city of Genoa and one of the most important medieval buildings, it is situated on top of the Piano di Sant'Andrea. Genoa's new city walls were built in the 12th century to defend the independence of the Republic against the expansionist ambitions of Emperor Barbarossa. Porta Soprana served as the entrance to the city for those arriving from the east. The House-Museum of Christoper Columbus is located within walking distance of this door. Right beside Columbus's home stands the 12th-century cloister of the ancient monastery of Sant'Andrea.
Porta dei Vacca is located in the belt of the walls of Genoa, this fabulous medieval building dates back to 1155. Just inside the gate you'll find a strange little square with a fountain, once home to the wealthy Vacca or Vacchero family, who betrayed the Republic of Genoa. As punishment, their residence was demolished and replaced with the fountain.
Porto di Genova is one of the most important ports of Italy. Since 1992 has become a mecca for tourists, who come to enjoy meals at the different restaurants, shop or go for a swim at the pool. From the end of the pier you can admire the beauty of Genoa and its Gulf. Here you can visit the Aquarium and other attractions like the scenic Bigo lift, the Biosphere, La Città dei Bambini (a museum for children aged 2 to 14) and the Museum Luzzati.
The Lanterna is the symbol of Genoa, it has helped ships arriving in the city since the Middle Ages. It was rebuilt and illuminated in 1543. It stands on a promontory and the total height is 117 metters abobe sea level. It has 172 stairs that can be climbed up to the observation terrace, from here you have beautiful views of the harbour and the historic centre. At the foot of the Lanterna there is a multimedia museum.
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Santa Maria di Castello and the Torre Embriaci with its adjoining convent and museum, this basilica is really important for its history and its architecture. It was built on the site of the city's first urban settlement, dating back to at least the 7th century; in 1442 was entrusted to the Dominicans.
The cloister and the museum houses several valuable works and paintings.
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