Genoa Parks and Gardens

(Genoa / Genova, Liguria, Italy)

Visitors to Genoa are fortunate in having a number of open green spaces, parks and gardens available in which to walk, relax or simply enjoy a picnic. Many of Genoa's parks are estates which formerly belonged to the city's largest private-owned mansions.

Once the domain of the wealthiest families in Genoa, today these beautiful green spaces are open to the public. A number of these gardens have retained their exotic planting and designs. They also offer some welcome peace and tranquillity, amidst the hustle and bustle of modern city life.

Parchi di Nervi

Address: Via Capolungo 1 / 3 / 9, Via Anita Garibaldi, Genoa, I-16167, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 010 565 966
This public park is actually made up of the gardens of three Genovese villas. It now forms the largest green space in Genoa. With its English lawns, palm trees, fountains and rose garden, the park has managed to retain the original layout of the three estates. In the summer, the Parchi di Nervi plays host to the city's highly acclaimed International Ballet Festival.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to sunset (as directed by park attendants)
Admission: free

Parco dell'Acquasola

Address: Viale IV Novembre, Genoa, I-16121, Italy, IT
This 19th-century park is situated where once Genoa's ancient fortifications once stood and above where thousands of the city's plague victims were buried in the 1600s. Today, the Parco dell'Acquasola is a pleasant place to stroll with its tree-lined pathways and lake. There is also a children's playground, areas for skaters and cyclists, football pitches, bowling greens and even an athletics track.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to sunset
Admission: free

Orto Botanico

Address: Corso Dogali, Genoa, I-16136, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 010 209 9392
The city's famed Botanical Gardens (Orto Botanico) were established in the 19th century by the University of Genoa. Today the gardens contain some 300 species of exotic plants and trees, including aquatic plants, tropical plants and some impressive succulents.
Open hours: 08:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Parco della Villetta Di Negro

Address: Piazzale Mazzini, Genoa, I-16122, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 010 542 285
Built on land which used to belong to one of the city's grandest villas, the park today is home to exotic plants and trees, lakes and fountains, a waterfall and manmade grottoes, and bird aviaries. From the park's highest point, visitors can enjoy splendid views over Genoa. The Parco della Villetta Di Negro can be accessed via the Piazza Mazzini.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to sunset (as directed by park attendants)
Admission: free

Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno

Address: Piazzale Resasco, Genoa, I-16137, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 010 557 6824
Genoa's main cemetery is deemed to be one of the most significant in the whole of Italy and is a regular feature on many visitor itineraries. Created from the mid-19th century onwards, the Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno is dominated by the Chapel of the Intercession, also known as The Pantheon. Its tree-lined avenues feature some interesting sculptures and monuments, which are worth looking out for.
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 17:00
Admission: free