Have you ever thought of immersing yourself in the vibrant spirit of Madrid, the capital of Spain, rich in art, history and culture? Madrid, with its unique mix of tradition and modernity, is a city that seduces every visitor.
In this post I propose a two-day itinerary to discover some of the most fascinating cultural attractions this city has to offer.
GENOVA IN TWO DAYS
Palazzo Rosso Genova
DAY 1
PALAZZI DEI ROLLI
We begin our art journey with a visit to the Palazzi dei Rolli, a collection of Renaissance and Baroque buildings that testify to the economic and social power of 16th- and 17th-century Genoa. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these palaces were used to receive visits from sovereigns, princes, ambassadors and illustrious personalities on official visits.
Strolling along Via Garibaldi, admiring the majesty of Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria Tursi, is like stepping back in time.
ROYAL PALACE OF GENOA
We continue with a visit to the Royal Palace, once the residence of noble Genoese families and later of the Savoys. The palace houses art collections, luxurious furnishings and majestic frescoes.
A visit to the palace was a compulsory stop for those on the Grand Tour in the 18th century, but even today walking through it means taking a trip through the history of the city and its wealth.
If you have a little time left, I recommend you also visit the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno, where Oscar Wilde’s wife, Giuseppe Mazzini, many Garibaldians, and many personalities who were born and lived in Genoa and Liguria rest. To learn more read the post in which I explain why to visit the Staglieno Cemetery and what to see.
Palazzo Bianco, Genova.
DAY 2
GENOA AQUARIUM AND GALATA
The second day is dedicated to discovering theAquarium of Genoa, the largest in Italy and among the most important in Europe. Located in the Porto Antico, the Aquarium offers a fascinating journey through marine biodiversity from around the world, from the depths of the Red Sea to the ice of Antarctica. An educational and at the same time magical experience, suitable for young and old.
Not far from the Aquarium, you can also visit GALATA, the Museo del Mare, the largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean where you can learn about the history of Genoa and five centuries of life at sea. If you enter this museum you will be enchanted by the ancient galleys and life-size ships, which you can explore. In addition, you can visit the unique submarine located in the water and located right in front of the Galata.
Acquario di Genova – la vasca dei delfini
MUSEUM OF ORIENTAL ART
We conclude our tour with a visit to the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art, which houses one of the most important collections of Japanese and Asian art in Europe, collected by the painter Edoardo Chiossone during his stay in Japan in the late 19th century. Located in the evocative setting of Villetta Di Negro, the museum offers an in-depth look at oriental cultures, with works ranging from samurai armour to delicate silk paintings.
Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno
In two days, this itinerary offers an overview of Genoa’s cultural and historical richness, from the grandeur of its historical palaces to the exotic charm of its oriental art and the wonder of its marine world. Genoa is waiting for you to unveil the treasures hidden in the alleys of its historic old town and the breathtaking views of its harbour, in an unforgettable journey between past and present.
If you want some more advice, remember that I have written a post dedicated to the must-see museums in Genoa, where you will find the museums I have indicated here and many others that are just as fascinating. Don’t forget to also enter at least one of Genoa’s historic shops, they are beautiful and still offer the products of the past in an atmosphere of yesteryear.