After a challenging Spring, some of Genoa’s greatest public attractions are reopening. In this guide, we highlight a selection of some of the amazing things that await you in this beautiful Italian city.
Aquarium of Genoa
One of Genova’s key family-friendly attractions, the renowned aquarium will open Thursday 28th May. The Renzo Piano-designed building will be equipped with body temperature screening at the entrance, specific signs to maintain social distancing, hand-sanitising dispensers throughout the aquarium and visitors will have to wear masks during the whole visit. Guided tours and ‘Behind the Scenes’ experiences will be suspended for the moment since they don’t allow for social distancing.
In order to avoid queues at the ticket office, online purchase will be strongly incentivised, and the capacity has been reduced from 600 to 150 visitors / each time slot (half an hour).
Opening days and times: from May 28th every day from 10:00 to 18:00 (last entrance at 16:00)
Prices: Compulsory time slots can be booked via www.acquariodigenova.it and at the ticket office with the following prices: Adults €27, Youth (4-12 years old) €19, Reduced price ticket €23.
The Lighthouse Museum
Genova’s iconic symbol, the Lanterna, reopened on May 19th. To enter the museum, visitors will have to adhere to limited access, the use of individual protective devices and hand-sanitisers and body temperature screening on entering the attraction. The Lanterna is the first museum to use FASTPASS System, an app that allows visitors to check in real-time the waiting times and choose the time slot to visit, in order to avoid congestion and manage footfall.
It will be possible to admire the open-air museum in the park, with its ancient gate, leading to Genova from the West; the museum dedicated to the history of the Lighthouse and the halls dedicated to its lights and beacons and finally climb the 172 steps leading to the first panoramic terrace of the Lighthouse tower, from where visitors can enjoy the unique 360° view on the city and its port.
Opening times: From Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00 (last entrance at 16.30)
Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 10:00 to 18:00 (last entrance at 17.30)
(in case of orange weather alert and /or storms the visits are suspended)
(Online ticket purchase is suggested.)
Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale, the great cultural hub of the city, is reopening to the public too and adding to this good news, they’ve reduced the ticket price in order to encourage visitors at this challenging time.
In order to maintain social-distancing, a well-marked itinerary through the exhibition halls will need to be followed, and the use of masks will be mandatory. The cloakroom won’t be available, and body temperature screening will take place at the entrance. Online tickets purchase is suggested.
Villa Durazzo Pallavicini
Villa Durazzo Pallavicini, the 19th-century romantic garden, situated in Pegli has also started to allow visitors. Entry to the ticket office will only be allowed for one person at a time.
Visitors will be required to wear masks and family units will be accompanied inside the Park, while one of them purchases tickets at the ticket office.
The footfall will be regulated by a Park operator, who will welcome the visitors outside the ticket office, respecting the safe distance of one metre during the visit.
Restaurants, Bars and Shops Reopen
From 18th May, Genovese bars, restaurants and shops have started to reopen. Visitors can take the opportunity to sip an aperitif along the seafront, enjoy a dinner with typical Genovese products, and enjoy shopping in the medieval streets.
All open-air markets to reopen
From May 20th all open-air markets in the city are allowed to open. Thirty-two open-air markets that remained closed for the whole lockdown period are open again, respecting all health and safety regulations including the wearing of gloves and masks and observing floor signs to indicate the required distance between customers.
The Airport of Genova
The Airport of Genova has introduced a number of measures to grant travellers maximum safety. Body temperature monitoring will take place for all incoming passengers, special plexiglass panels at the ticket and check-in desks have been erected, floor signage to ensure distancing is observed, constant sanitisation of the areas, distribution of hand gel to airport users. There will also be audio and visual alerts to raise awareness about the expected use of masks, hand hygiene and respect for distancing.
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