Stroll past the quaint shops and cafés that line the narrow alleys leading to Genoa’s main square then visit the historic buildings surrounding it.
The Piazza de Ferrari is the principal square of Genoa around which the historic center grows. At the heart of this lively piazza stands a majestic fountain that serves as a gathering point for locals and sightseers. Spend the day strolling along the historic streets that meet at this plaza.
Admire how the modern central design of the square complements the centuries-old buildings around it. Walk on the circular floor pattern that encircles the fountain. Renaissance museums and aristocratic mansions stand beside the banks and office buildings on this plaza, which is located between the Old Town and the modern part of the city.
Snap photos of the large fountain and watch its mesmerizing water shows. Sit with a book beside the soothing water feature and meet friends at this popular base. Among the highlights of the plaza is the Palazzo Ducale, whose interior is adorned with chandeliers, frescoes and other markings of 18th-century prosperity. Ascend to its tower to see the former secret jail, where artists and other renowned figures were imprisoned.
Stroll through the neoclassical colonnade of the stately Ligurian Academy of Fine Arts, which was founded in 1741. See the Terminal Grimaldi Genova and the Palazzo della Nuova Borsa Valori, a stock exchange institution built in 1912.
The northeastern end of the square is decorated with the imposing columns of the impressive Carlo Felice Theater, Genoa’s main opera house. Attend an operatic performance, a ballet or a classical music recital in this immense structure. Go for a stroll beneath the theater’s neoclassical portico.
The Piazza de Ferrari is in the heart of Genoa’s intricate Old Town district. Arrive at the De Ferrari metro station on the northeastern side of the plaza and get around the large square on foot. See some of the many fascinating structures in the area, including the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Vigne, the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and the Torre Maruffo.
