I hadn’t read good reports about Genova online. Much of what was said stated that it didn’t cater to tourists & that it was quite an industrial shady town. I chose Genoa as a not-too-far point to visit Cinque Terre, as La Spezia was closer but much more expensive. I booked into the Hotel Helvetia for 2 nights, a budget hotel which was cheap & cheerful. The receptionist was very helpful in explaining recommended walking routes & places to eat nearby. Genova is Italy’s largest port in addition to being a cultural centre. The walk along Garibaldi was incredible with ‘rolli’ (private residences) along each side previously owned by Genoese nobles & decorated in Renaissance architecture. The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo is a masterpiece of Gothic art & holds the ‘Sacro Catino’ said by some to be the Holy Grail. And, as I made my way back to the Hotel, I found a gelateria in an alleyway. Oh, my God! Heaven in an ice cream!!!
