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Genoa
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Football Italia City Guide
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| The city of Genoa - Genova to the Italians - is bouncing back to its former splendour. Still a major international port, the delinquency and degradation of recent years are gradually being eradicated and, although the narrow alleys or caruggi near the port can be slightly worrying, the city - hometown of the great Christopher Columbus - has benefited from a definite facelift. Despite a lack of fortune in recent years, both Genoa and Sampdoria are well respected teams and a trip to Marassi is far from an easy ride for even the toughest team. |
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 Stadio: Luigi Ferraris
Redeveloped for Italia ‘90 and its capacity increased to 40,117, the square red structure of the Luigi Ferraris - also known as Stadio Marassi after the district it’s in - makes this one of Italy’s most recognisable stadiums. Situated near the city centre, it’s easy to reach. Catch the special stadium bus from outside either of the main railway stations, Principe or Brignole. From Brignole it’s within walking distance. To get to the stadium on foot, turn right out of the station and go through the pedestrian tunnel, follow the Blucerchiati fans and you’ll see the Stadio Ferraris just a little way along over the river. |
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 Match Tickets
The lottery company Lottomatica manages ticket sales and all lottery outlets, usually situated in tobacconists should sell them. A conveniently placed central one is just off the main square, Piazza De Ferrari, at Via XXV Aprile 34. To mix with the liveliest of the Samp fans choose the Gradinata Sud sector.
Football Italia Ticket Info |
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 Out & About
There is plenty to visit in Genoa itself, while the surrounding area of Liguria offers some of Italy’s most picturesque coastlines. Spend some time at the Porto Antico - the whole port area has been redeveloped and there’s plenty to see and do, including:
> The Acquario, one of Europe’s largest aquariums. Tickets cost 12.50 Euro or 16 Euro if you also visit the interesting Padiglione del mare e della navigazione - Sea & Seafaring Museum.
> For great views, go up in the Bigo at a cost of 3.30 Euros. This intriguing white aluminium structure was built to resemble an old sailing ship. But it’s more reminiscent of a huge octopus and is nothing more than a lift.
> Explore the Galeone Neptune - this old sailing ship was used in Roman Polanski’s 1986 film Pirates. It will set you back just 5 Euros.
> Get on the water with an organised boat trip around the port.
> Warm up in the Biosfera - a big glass bubble housing a tropical climate complete with plant and insect life.
> Get active at the open-air ice rink or swimming pool depending on the season.
> Genoa’s main square, Piazza De Ferrari has an impressive array of intermittent fountains but watch where you sit as they tend to surprise you! The unpretentious but fascinating interior of Genoa’s black and white striped cathedral, the Duomo San Lorenzo, just behind the Piazza merits a visit.
> Casa di Colombo, the presumed birthplace of discoverer of the New World, Christopher Columbus, makes a picturesque corner, together with nearby city gate Porta Soprana.
> For calcio souvenirs, stop off at Sampdoria Point in Via Cesarea 107/109, off Via XX Settembre or visit city rivals Genoa Store in Piazza del Portello.
> If you have time, take a trip along the coast to Le Cinque Terre. These five tiny fishing villages linked by a cliffside path are amazing. The train takes about an hour and a half from Brignole but even the views on the way make it worthwhile. Vernazza is probably the most picturesque of the five. Alternatively get a boat there from Porto Antico.
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Food & Drink
> Pesto Genovese - the world famous green pasta sauce takes on a flavour of its own here. Generally served with trenette, a bit like square spaghetti.
> Focaccia Genovese - a kind of pizza bread, is another local speciality. Delicious on its own, it also comes with fillings.
> Farinata - a crunchy, thin bread made with chickpea flour.
> Wander round the aromatic Mercato Orientale in Via XX Settembre for some culinary inspiration. All sorts of fresh produce is sold here. Look out for the well-stocked spice stalls.
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Restaurants
Fish lovers are spoilt for choice near the port, particularly along the porticoed Via Sottoripa lined with eating places. Here are some good ones to try:
> Ristorante Da Vittorio at No 59 is one of the area’s best fish restaurants.
> Il Pesce d’Oro, where the road borders Piazza Caricamento, is a bit more down to earth and has a great open-air terrace.
> For the best in takeaway fried fish try the tiny tiled shop at No 113.For all sorts of variations on the focaccia theme head for Il Genovino at No 19.
> The big red building Sul Fronte del Porto, just behind the Bigo, houses several good eating places. Lobster lovers should try La Compagnia delle Aragoste. The second I Tre Merli restaurant is also here.
> The original I Tre Merli (Vico dietro il coro della Maddalena 26. Tel: 010 2474095) is well worth seeking out. Beautifully renovated brick interior and interesting local menu.
> Trattoria Da Maria (Vico Testa d’Oro 14 - just off Via XXV Aprile). Serves basic and simple Genoese dishes. A full meal will cost you just 9 Euros.
> A good one for takeaway focaccia is Panificio Mario (Via San Vincenzo 61) near Stazione Brignole.
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Accomodation
> Hotel Veronese (Vico Cicala 3, just off Piazza Caricamento. Tel: 0039-010-2510771). Comfortable and clean, just round the corner from the lively port area.
> Hotel Cristoforo Colombo (Via di Porta Soprana 27. Tel: 0039-010-2513643). Stay near the birthplace of the great explorer!
> Jolly Hotel Marina (Molo Ponte Calvi 5. Tel: 0039-010-25391). A great spot on the port, right by the water.
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Getting there...
Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo airport is just 6km out of town. Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) flies there from Stansted, while British Airways (www.britishairways.com) has flights from Gatwick. The Linea 100 Volabus provides a regular bus service to both the main railway stations, Brignole and Principe - 3 Euro each way. |
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Local lingo
Questo pesce - pronounced peshay - ha le spine? - Does this fish have bones?
Scusi, per arrivare al Porto Antico? - Excuse me, how do I get to the Old Port? Useful when you get lost in the winding alleys of the old town.
Doria, Doria! - Real fans tend to abbreviate the team name this way.
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Compiled by: Sarah Lane
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