Genoa Secrets Tour with Local Storyteller + Ebook: Uncover Hidden History

Highlights

• Guided Walking Tour
• Carmine & Sottoripa Exploration
• Complimentary Ebook Guide

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Stop 1

   30min

   Located in the historic center of Genoa, Via Lomellini is one of the city’s most fascinating streets, rich in history, architecture, and cultural heritage. Once home to powerful noble families, this elegant street reflects the prosperity Genoa enjoyed during the Renaissance, when the city was one of the most influential maritime republics in the Mediterranean. As you walk along Via Lomellini, you will admire beautiful historic buildings and noble palaces that showcase impressive architectural details. The street is also closely connected to the story of Christopher Columbus, who was born nearby, making this area an important landmark for visitors interested in Genoa’s maritime history. Today, Via Lomellini blends the charm of the past with the vibrant atmosphere of modern Genoa. Visitors can explore local shops, cafés, and hidden corners while discovering the rich traditions and stories that have shaped this remarkable street for centuries.

2. 2

   Portici Di Sottoripa

   30min

   Located along the historic waterfront of Genoa, Sottoripa is one of the city’s oldest and most vibrant streets. Dating back to the Middle Ages, this lively arcade of stone porticoes once served as the bustling commercial heart of the port, where merchants, sailors, and travelers gathered as goods arrived from across the Mediterranean and beyond. Walking under the long rows of arches, visitors can imagine the atmosphere of Genoa’s powerful maritime past. The porticoes offered shelter to traders and customers while markets, warehouses, and shops flourished along the waterfront. For centuries, Sottoripa has been a meeting place where cultures, flavors, and stories blended together. Today, the street still retains its authentic character. Small eateries, traditional shops, and local food stalls line the passage, making it a perfect place to experience everyday Genoese life and taste local specialties while exploring the historic port area.

3. 3

   Torre degli Embriaci

   30min

   Rising above the medieval streets of Genoa, the Torre degli Embriaci is one of the most remarkable symbols of the city’s medieval past. Built in the 12th century by the powerful Embriaci family, the tower is the tallest surviving medieval tower in Genoa and stands as a testament to the influence and prestige of noble families during the time when the city was a powerful maritime republic. According to tradition, the tower was constructed by Guglielmo Embriaco, a celebrated Genoese commander who played a key role in the First Crusade. Its impressive height and simple stone structure reflect the defensive and symbolic importance of family towers in medieval Genoa, which once dominated the skyline of the city. Today, Torre degli Embriaci remains a striking landmark in the historic center, offering visitors a glimpse into Genoa’s noble heritage and the dramatic history that shaped the city during the Middle Ages.

4. 4

   Campopisano

   30min

   Nestled in the historic center of Genoa, Campopisano is a charming square rich in history and symbolism. Surrounded by colorful buildings and traditional Ligurian architecture, this quiet corner of the city hides a dramatic story connected to one of Genoa’s most important historical rivalries. The square’s name recalls the defeat of the Republic of Pisa by Genoa in the Battle of Meloria in 1284. According to tradition, prisoners from Pisa were brought to Genoa and forced to build houses in this area, giving the square its historic name. Over time, Campopisano became a residential area while preserving the memory of this significant moment in medieval history. Today, Campopisano is a peaceful and picturesque place where visitors can admire historic buildings, explore the narrow surrounding streets, and discover one of the many hidden gems that make Genoa’s old town so unique and fascinating.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   30min

   Standing proudly at the edge of the historic center of Genoa, Porta Soprana is one of the most important surviving gateways of the city’s ancient defensive walls. Built in the 12th century as part of the powerful fortifications known as the Walls of Barbarossa, the gate once protected Genoa from external attacks and marked one of the main entrances to the medieval city. Characterized by its impressive twin towers and sturdy stone structure, Porta Soprana reflects the strategic importance of Genoa during the Middle Ages, when the city was a thriving maritime republic. The gate controlled access to the city and overlooked important routes used by merchants, travelers, and armies. Just a short walk from the gate stands the historic house traditionally associated with Christopher Columbus, believed to be where the famous explorer spent part of his youth. Today, Porta Soprana remains a striking landmark and a symbol of Genoa’s rich history and medieval heritage.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   30min

   Located near the ancient city gate of Porta Soprana in the historic center of Genoa, the Christopher Columbus House is one of the city’s most famous historical landmarks. This modest stone house is traditionally believed to be where the young Christopher Columbus lived with his family during the 15th century. Although the original structure was partially destroyed over the centuries, the building was later reconstructed to preserve the memory of the legendary explorer who would go on to change world history. Columbus spent his early years in Genoa before embarking on the voyages that led to the European discovery of the Americas in 1492. Today, the house stands as an important cultural site, offering visitors a glimpse into the early life of one of history’s most influential navigators and highlighting Genoa’s strong maritime tradition.

Before you go

Location