The Atlas Obscura Guide To Genoa

11 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Genoa, Italy

Updated April 1, 2024

Unusual Attractions in Genoa

Genoa, Italy

Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno

A stunning cemetery famous for its extraordinarily delicate & lifelike mourning sculptures.

Genoa, Italy

Genoa Cathedral

This cathedral hides a sculpted dog that determines your fate and an unexploded shell from World War II.

Genoa, Italy

Ascensore Castello d'Albertis-Montegalletto

This peculiar Italian elevator runs both horizontally and vertically.

The Angel of the Resurrection by Giulio Monteverde.

Genoa, Italy

Monteverde Angel

The "Mona Lisa" of funerary art.

Genoa, Italy

Palazzo San Giorgio

Once home to one of the oldest banks in the world, this building is also where Marco Polo's famous travelogue was written.

Genoa, Italy

Roman Polanski's Neptune

Massive galleon from a box-office bomb docked in Genoa.

Genoa, Italy

Civic Museum of Natural History Giacomo Doria

Genoa's collection of over 4 million zoological, botanical, and geological specimens from around the world.

Genoa, Italy

Principe-Granarolo Funicular Railway

Although called a funicular by both its owner and the locals this historic railroad is actually a rack and pinion system.

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Stories About Genoa

A diver cleans a tank in the tropical section.

It Takes a Lot of Odd Jobs to Keep a Massive Aquarium Running

And they all involve developing a close relationship with the aquatic world and its inhabitants.

by Vittoria Traverso

September 1, 2021

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Genoa

11 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Genoa, Italy

Updated April 1, 2024

Unusual Attractions in Genoa

Genoa, Italy

Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno

Genoa, Italy

Genoa Cathedral

Genoa, Italy

Ascensore Castello d'Albertis-Montegalletto

Genoa, Italy

Monteverde Angel

Genoa, Italy

Palazzo San Giorgio

Genoa, Italy

Roman Polanski's Neptune

Genoa, Italy

Civic Museum of Natural History Giacomo Doria

Genoa, Italy

Principe-Granarolo Funicular Railway

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Flavors of Italy: Roman Carbonara, Florentine Steak & Venetian Cocktails

Savor local cuisine across Rome, Florence & Venice.

Explore Genoa, Italy

Genoa Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Genoa Activity

Stories About Genoa

It Takes a Lot of Odd Jobs to Keep a Massive Aquarium Running

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.