Genoese verticals with the possibility to climb the Belvedere by funicular or lift.
Lifts, funiculars, lifts, a great number of stairs, flowing streets “krese”, buildings that descend from top to bottom, like the stands of a Greek theatre, to the stage – the historical centre. The narrow streets of the “caruggi” are mute witnesses to the love stories and intrigues of the local aristocrats. Genoa is a city where high art and folk crafts coexist peacefully, where the world’s first bank and insurance companies were opened, where notaries acted as chroniclers. Crusades were sent from Genoa and rich trophies arrived in Genoa. The churches of Genoa contain paintings by Italian and Flemish painters. Genoa is famous for its Art Nouveau and libertine architecture.
The Genoa Funiculars is a cable car system that was built in the early 20th century for the convenience of residents and tourists wishing to reach the upper part of the city. It consists of two lines: the Zacardo Funiculars. Were opened in 1901 and are one of the steepest cable cars in the world, with a gradient of more than 60 degrees. They connect the Zacardo neighbourhood with the Ribeira Square, where the famous Galateo Museum is located. Santa Anna Funiculars. These were built in 1934 and connect the neighbourhood of Santa Brigia with Porto Square. They pass through a tunnel over 600 metres long and offer stunning views of the city and the sea. Both funicular lines were fully restored in 2012 and are now popular tourist attractions in Genoa. They are also used by locals to get around the city quickly.
A bird’s-eye viewpoint-balcony. From here you can see most of Genoa, as well as the best view of the old town, the harbour with the old port, the lighthouse and the sea. It is located right above the main street of palaces and museums, Via Garibaldi. There are three ways to get there: by bus, on foot or by lift.
Genoa is a vertical city of tall houses and narrow streets. And these verticals are connected not only by staircases but also by modern funiculars and lifts, which are part of the city’s transport system. One of the most beautiful and famous lifts in Genoa is in Piazza Portello. It is so called Lift Castelletto-Spianata, which means “the square in front of the castle”. Among the Genoese it is also known as the “Elevator to Paradise”. It was named after the Italian poet Giorgio Caproni, who dedicated a poem to this amazing lift, which was included in all the collections of Italian poetry of the 20th century: “When I think I’ll trade the ends of the Earth for Paradise, I’ll take the lift to Castelletto, and I’ll do it at night – well, I won’t sleep enough, I’ll bear it.
Lift opening hours: daily from 6:40 a.m. to 00:00 a.m. (in summer on weekends until 02.00 a.m.
Tickets can be purchased at tobacco kiosks or from machines when boarding the lift.
