I hadn't planned to make this trip, but sometimes the best travel experiences are the most spontaneous ones.
I originally had planned to get a quick bite at a small restaurant by the hotel and head back to sleep. However, the weather was very friendly and I got curious as to how Genoa looks at night. So I headed south towards the famous Genoa port.
The city looks completely different at night. Streets are emptier without the tourists, it is much quieter, and the colorful lights from shops and balconies give it a different look.
There are groups of locals either having a drink, or heading home, and some on the side of the streets listening and dancing to music. There was also a buffoon, a typical tourist - ME. I decided I was going to follow my "natural GPS" with lots of confidence.
I got lost.
I headed east instead of south. I would eventually make it to the port, but only after discovering the beautiful sights of many monumental landmarks of Genoa. And let me tell you, I enjoyed them at night more than I did during the day.
I say that because I wasn't influenced by where the tour guide would take me. Or where the largest crowds gathered. I didn't have to follow, wait, or rush the process. I could walk, watch, and take my time with these beautiful landmarks.
Plus, isn't it always better to see how these places are when there's no one really looking at them?
When the doors are closed, and the lights outside turn on, it is very different. I got to see the beautiful lights of the Piazza de Ferrari fountain.
The main square is a gorgeous spot at night. Sitting by the fountain, watching the lights, having a drink, listening to the water splash, and admiring the historical structures here is a splendid mix of emotions. The fountain itself cannot be undermined. It was built in the early 1900s and is made of bronze. I sat there for some time, both admiring the square and wondering which direction to head.
Genoa is saturated with deep-rooted connections to history, art, culture, and beliefs. From this square, you can get a very good glimpse at the Roman Gothic architecture style that is popular in Genoa.
Palazzo della Borsa Valori is a building that is simply breathtaking. It is an incredible work of art and has a massive significance both historically and in the present.
It is a loud landmark speaking volume about Genoa's role in the European financial market from the past and its recent hold and influence on much more modern economic decisions. In Genoa was the oldest state deposit bank, and this building was the stock exchange, and now is used as a headquarters to a bank, with plenty of offices inside, conference halls, and even some governmental departments. Isn't it impressive?
Palazzo della Regione Liguria was to my right. It hosts the government office of the Liguria region, duh.
The facade is pretty much lit with these lights throughout the evening. I felt it was relatively underwhelming compared to the grandiose and pompous architecture surrounding it.
But there's a reason.
When it was originally built, in the 1900s, it was part of the Chiesa del Gesu e dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea, the church of Jesus and Saint Ambrogio and Andrea, and was made just short enough as not to obstruct the dome of the church. Nevertheless, both during the day and night, I wasn't looking at the dome. The square proved to be a bit too much of a distraction.
I had stopped at the Monumento a Giuseppe Garibaldi before. Actually, just a few hours earlier this sudden excursion. But it was during working hours and the place was so packed I had completely missed the monument of Giuseppe Garibaldi.
The monument is hard to miss since just across the square and in front of the Carlo Felice Opera Theatre. I'm pretty sure there are plays and operas dedicated to Garibaldi in this opera house.
During the day I wouldn't get the chance to take such vivid pictures of the monument and theater, because the road is very busy.
I headed down from here, for no particular reason. I had not yet seen what was after the square. During the day I had only seen the Piazza de Ferrari while I was on a bus.
When heading south from the Piazza I entered a very narrow corridor, between the Biblioteca della Società Ligure di Storia Patriaand and the Palazzo della Regione Liguria and it brought me right at the footsteps of yet another beautiful landmark. This place doesn't stop giving, does it?
This is the Church of Jesus and Saint Ambrogio and Andrea. I hadn't thought the regional office building was still attached to the church.
I have to say that I feel like this isn't much of a looker. Especially during the day when the color of this Church blends with its surroundings and the height doesn't help.
At night, it stands out. The interior is absolutely beautiful - way more than the outside and it is a very popular tourist spot. At night, the bronze door is used as a quick resting spot.
Just a few steps away from the Church and down the road, I could see the street descending. Which means I am finally on the right route towards the port.
Just next to the church is Doge's Palace. This giant mansion used to house the Doge family. I also saw the Palazzo Ducale in Venice a few days later and that is even bigger and shows off even more architectural prowess.
The Genoa Doge's palace is now a humble cultural center, with chairs and tables from cafes stepping on its toes, and people sitting on its stairs. I can imagine it feels incredible sitting and having a meal with the church and the mansion in your view. Too bad, it is much harder during the day to get that much comfort.
I did end up taking the right route and eventually reached the port. But not before stumbling across one of the most famous landmarks of Genoa.
The black and white facade of this structure cannot be mistaken for anything else. As a matter of fact, if you look up Genoa, you are bound to see a picture of the Cathedrale di San Lorenzo. During the day, there are tour guides, street vendors, locals, and tourists bustling around this beautiful cathedral.
I do not think any of them realize just how gorgeous it looks even at night.
Unlike the other landmarks, this one still had an audience that wanted to take pictures of it at this time of the night.
There are many stories and legends attached to this cathedral. After all, it has taken centuries to be fully completed. There is a quirky legend, that is attached to all the other romantic nuances that bring couples and lost romantics to this cathedral. Well, the quirky legend is of a dog carved into the architecture of the cathedral. Legend says, if you do not see it, then you'll end up single forever.
So take it from me, if you do not want to be single forever, better go when the sun isn't down.
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