Genoese verticals with the possibility to ascend to the Belvedere by funicular or elevator.
Elevators, funiculars, lifts, a great multitude of stairs, flowing streets of “creze”, buildings that descend from top to bottom like the tiers of a Greek theater to the stage – the historical center. The narrow streets of “carudgi” – silent witnesses of love stories and intrigues of local aristocrats. Genoa is a city where high art and folk crafts coexist peacefully, where the first bank in the world was opened, insurance companies, where notaries acted as chroniclers. Crusades set out from Genoa, and rich trophies arrived in Genoa. The churches of Genoa house paintings by Italian and Flemish painters. Genoa is famous for its Art Nouveau and Liberty style architecture.
The funiculars of Genoa are a system of cable cars that were 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: Funiculars of Zaccardo. Opened in 1901, it is one of the steepest cable cars in the world, with an incline of over 60 degrees. They connect the Zaccardo area with the Ribeira square, which houses the famous Galateo museum. Funiculars of Santa Anna. Built in 1934, they connect the Santa Brigid area with Porto square. They pass through a tunnel over 600 meters long and offer stunning views of the city and the sea. Both lines of funiculars were completely restored in 2012 and today are popular tourist attractions in Genoa. They are also used by locals for quick movement around the city.
A viewpoint-balcony at bird’s eye height. From here, there is a view of most of Genoa, as well as the best view of the old town, the harbor with the old port, the lighthouse, and the smooth sea. The viewpoint is located right above the main parade street of palaces and museums – Via Garibaldi. You can get there in three ways: by bus, on foot, or by elevator.
Genoa is a vertical city of tall buildings and narrow streets. These verticals are connected not only by stairs but also by modern funiculars and elevators, included in a unified urban transport system. One of the most beautiful and famous elevators in Genoa is in Portello square. It is called the Castelleto-Spianata Elevator, which translates to “the square in front of the castle”. Among the Genoese, it is also known as the “Elevator to Paradise”. It received this name thanks to the Italian poet Giorgio Caproni, who dedicated a separate poem to this amazing elevator, which is included in all collections of Italian poetry of the 20th century: “When I decide to exchange the edge of the Earth for Paradise, I will set off by the Castelleto Elevator, and I will do it at night – well, I won’t sleep, nothing, I’ll endure…”
Operating hours of the elevator: daily from 6:40 AM to 12:00 AM (in the summer period on weekends until 2:00 AM)
You can buy a ticket at tobacco kiosks or at machines when boarding the Elevator.
