Porta Soprana

Porta Soprana: Our most recommended tours and activities

Genoa: Historic Guided Tour of Christopher Columbus' House

Genoa: Historic Guided Tour of Christopher Columbus' House

Ticket: Escorted tour of Casa di Colombo Not far from Porta Soprana, just outside the ancient medieval walls, is the Casa di Colombo, where the discoverer of the Americas lived in his youth. According to archival documents, Domenico Colombo, father of the great navigator, moved here in 1455, when Christopher was four years old. The ground floor of the house was used as a workshop; an attic with wooden beams divides it from the upper floor, where the rooms for private use were located. Ticket: Escorted tour of Casa di Colombo Not far from Porta Soprana, just outside the ancient medieval walls, is the Casa di Colombo, where the discoverer of the Americas lived in his youth. According to archival documents, Domenico Colombo, father of the great navigator, moved here in 1455, when Christopher was four years old. The ground floor of the house was used as a workshop; an attic with wooden beams divides it from the upper floor, where the rooms for private use were located.

Genoa Must-See Attractions Walking Tour

Genoa Must-See Attractions Walking Tour

Meet your guide in a central location, a popular piazza surrounded by cafes, shops, and cultural landmarks – the ideal spot from which to begin exploring. Set out on your walking tour, making your way to your first stop, Christopher Columbus' House, and then to Doge's Palace, the former home of the Doges of Genoa. Today, this historical building serves as a museum and a center for cultural events. Next, see Piazza San Giorgio and Piazza Banchi before heading to the Porta Soprana, the towered gate of Genoa's 12th-century city walls. Continue your tour with a visit to the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, a must-see attraction when visiting Genoa. Your experience comes to an end at the Piazza Raffaele de Ferrari, the city's main square and the perfect spot from which to continue exploring on your own.

Genoa: Food Guided Tour with Wine Tastings

Genoa: Food Guided Tour with Wine Tastings

Embark on a gastronomic journey through Genoa, a city steeped in maritime history and vibrant culinary traditions. Our guided food tour, available in English and Italian, begins with a taste of pesce fritto, a classic street food featuring freshly fried fish that captures the essence of Genoa’s coastal heritage. As you savor this local delicacy, you'll also visit the birthplace of the city's most famous navigator, Christopher Columbus. Standing in front of his house, you'll hear fascinating stories about his adventures and Genoa's role in the Age of Exploration. Continue your journey by discovering the art of baking, experiencing the rich aroma of olive oil, and tasting a selection of focaccias made from chickpeas and flour. As we stroll through the city's charming historic alleys, our guide will highlight Genoa’s stunning architecture—from medieval gates to elegant Renaissance palaces—each echoing the grandeur of the city’s past. We'll also visit the majestic Chiesa di San Lorenzo, the city's cathedral, where you'll admire its striking Romanesque façade and learn about its storied history and cultural significance. Next, indulge in the city's renowned pesto, a sauce that originated in the region. Traditionally handmade by crushing fresh basil and pine nuts in a mortar, this fragrant delicacy is a true symbol of Ligurian cuisine. Alongside these culinary delights, you'll have the opportunity to taste two carefully selected local wines, perfectly paired with the flavors of Genoese cuisine. Our expert guide will share insights into the region’s winemaking traditions and the unique characteristics of these exceptional wines. For dessert, delight in panera, a creamy coffee-flavored ice cream that blends the richness of cream with the boldness of espresso, creating a decadent local treat. This tour not only offers a feast for your taste buds but also enriches your understanding of Genoa’s unique culture and history. From exploring the home of Christopher Columbus and the stunning Chiesa di San Lorenzo to tasting the city's culinary gems and wines, you'll experience Genoa in all its flavorful glory. Come ready to eat, explore, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Genoa.

Genoa: Discover the secrets with a Storyteller

Genoa: Discover the secrets with a Storyteller

Explore the picturesque medieval district of Carmine where you'll listen to a song about the lively atmosphere of the past and then you'll admire the beautiful Renaissance noble palaces in Via Lomellini. Pass by Sottoripa, a historical street where trade began to flourish since the Middle Ages. Stop by the Embriaci Tower, the tallest in Genoa, and visit the colorful square of Campopisano where you'll listen to other songs about legends and important historical facts. Walk along the legendary Redbeard walls and learn about history through music and finally get to Porta Soprana, one of the gates of the old town, very close to Christopher Colombus house.

Genoa Historic Highlights: A Walk Through Time

Genoa Historic Highlights: A Walk Through Time

Embark on the “Genoa Historic Highlights: A Walk Through Time” tour, a comprehensive exploration of this storied city. From the UNESCO-listed palaces along Via Garibaldi to the ancient gates that once protected this maritime republic, each stop on this tour immerses you in centuries of history. Discover the architectural splendor of the Doge’s Palace, the sacred artifacts within the Treasury Museum, and the humble beginnings of Christopher Columbus. This walking tour offers a rich tapestry of cultural and historical insights, ideal for those eager to delve deep into the heart of Genoa. Please note: The availability and accessibility of attractions may vary based on time of day and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

1.5 Hour Food Guided Tour & Sightseeing in Genoa

1.5 Hour Food Guided Tour & Sightseeing in Genoa

Embark on a gastronomic journey through Genoa, a city steeped in maritime history and vibrant culinary traditions. Our guided food tour, available in English and Italian, begins with a taste of pesce fritto, a classic street food of freshly fried fish that captures the essence of Genoa’s coastal heritage. As you savor this local delicacy, you'll also visit the birthplace of the city's most famous navigator, Cristophorus Columbus. Standing in front of his house, you'll hear fascinating stories about his adventures and Genoa's role in the Age of Exploration. As we stroll through the charming historic alleys, our guide will highlight the city's stunning architecture, from medieval gates to elegant Renaissance palaces, each echoing the grandeur of Genoa’s past. We'll also visit the majestic Chiesa di San Lorenzo, the city's cathedral, where you'll admire its striking Romanesque façade and learn about its storied history and cultural significance. Next, indulge in the city's renowned focaccia, a soft and flavorful bread, and explore a selection of torte salate, savory pies that reflect the region's passion for fresh ingredients and bold flavors. For dessert, delight in the creamy panera ice cream, a local specialty blending coffee and cream into a decadent treat. This tour not only offers a feast for your taste buds but also enriches your understanding of Genoa’s unique culture and history. From exploring the home of Cristophorus Columbus and the stunning Chiesa di San Lorenzo to tasting the city's culinary gems and wines, you'll experience Genoa in all its flavorful glory. Come ready to eat, explore, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Genoese life!

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What people are saying about Porta Soprana

Overall rating

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2
4.2 out of 5 stars
(61 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

This was the best tour of our entire trip! My family and I stopped in Genoa on an MSC cruise and decided to book a half-day tour outside of the cruise line, which included food. It was the best decision ever! Our 10 AM tour on January 19th was cold, so dress warmly. Go hungry, as Lorenzo and the stops he selected offered plenty to eat! We walked through Genoa’s charming streets, visiting landmarks like the House of Columbus, Doge’s Palace, Chiesa del Gesù e dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea, and Palace of St. George. Then came the food: delicious pastries at Focacceria degli Orefici, pesto bread from Pesto per Amore (we bought a jar), super-soft coffee gelato at Cremeria Bounafede, fried mixed seafood at Friggitoria, and wine tastings at Caffè Vergnano 1882 (under an Eataly, which was a nice surprise!). This tour offered great food, history, and value. Highly recommend it!

5 out of 5 stars

Nice quick tour to explain this area of the city and the Christopher Columbus family house. The Guides in the house were very welcoming and knowledgeable.

5 out of 5 stars

Alessandro was very personable. Very unique with the songs. Nice relaxing experience with a good bit of history.

5 out of 5 stars

Not at all obvious and from a panorama of Genoa and the Genoese from the past to the present

5 out of 5 stars

Exceptional guide, helpful and prepared. Really a great experience