This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Genoa.
Since Genoa has an excellent natural harbor, it was used as a seaport from ancient times. The Romans made Genoa and Placentia their headquarters against the Ligurians in the third century BC. Genoa became one of the most developed and large Italian city-states in the Middle Ages and it had fierce wars with the other surrounding cities before the Italian country was founded in the nineteenth century. There are many monuments in other countries in Europe built by Genoese.
In the eighties and nineties, many neglected buildings -- mainly churches and palaces -- were restored and reconstructed. This includes for example, the Renaissance Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, which is visible due to its location from almost any point of the city. Defensive fortifications are witnesses of the turbulent history of the former maritime republic. Once, Genoa was surrounded by a mile-long, continuous wall around the whole town; entire sections and a large part of the fort can still be seen today. Christopher Columbus was also born here. Genoa's old town is one of the largest in Europe. Via Garibaldi and Via Balbi have palaces such as the Palazzo Ducale from the thirteenth century and also the most important art museums in the city, the Palazzo Rosso and the Palazzo Bianco. In addition to the Fontana di Piazza de Ferrari is the lighthouse, or La Lanterna, the landmark of the city of Genoa, built in the middle of the sixteenth century.
Genoa hostels are not many and travelers do not have much choice when visiting the city. Moreover, hostels in Genoa are quite expensive and they have good but not the best facilities that can be expected for such prices. Hostels in Genoa are located quite centrally and near the sea -- there are some Genoa hostels next to the Rosso Palace. However, finding cheap accommodation in the city can be a real problem.
Written by local enthusiast for Genoa hostels
George Traveller
