Florence Is Being Destroyed By Tourists
Not my words, but those of Ottaviano de Medici, a direct descendant of the Medicis, who created Italy’s jewel. He is quoted in this article from the Sydney Morning Herald. Here’s the first paragraph.
A descendant of Florence’s famous Medici family said on Tuesday that mass tourism was a “threat” to his native city and called for it to be put on a UNESCO list of endangered areas.
I must admit, I get a bit fed up with tourists, especially in London. It’s one of the reasons, I’m a member of many of the arts institutions in London, as it means I can bypass queues and crowds, and get invited to special events like this one at the British Museum.
So if I go to Florence or Venice, I always go in the winter, as the threat of cold and wet weather keeps most tourists away. It was one of the great charms of my visit to Genoa recently, that the city was almost empty.
Tourists may be a curse, but they do bring in money and create employment. We need to find a balance as to how we charge them for their disruption.
From Genoa To Turin
This leg was done in another Freccibianca and took about a couple of hours.
It wasn’t the most dramatic of journeys, although we had to wait for half-an-hour for the incoming train.
Would I Go Back To Genoa?
Genoa was a total surprise and the icing on the cake, was the old city, with its Aladdin’s Cave for coeliacs.
I will definitely go back. It would be a very good starting point for a trip round Italy.
One of the great advantages is the lack of tourists. But sadly, they will discover it!
An Aladdin’s Cave For Coeliacs
I couldn’t believe it, when I saw this shop in the Piazza de Ferrari in Genoa.
Not for Genoa a small Free From section, but a whole shop.
As I’d forgotten my EatNakd biscuits, I stocked up for the journey.
Piazza De Ferrari
The Piazza De Ferrari is the magnificent main square of Genoa.
On one side is the Palazzo Ducale and there is a bronze fountain in the middle. The restaurant I visited is perhaps a hundred metres away and it has its own Metro station.
Aladdin’s Cave was at one side of this square.
The Palazzo Ducale, Genoa
I found the Palazzo Ducalle one of the most impressive buildings in Genoa.
I actually had my breakfast there, which included juice made from fresh oranges
Genoa Cathedral
Like most Italian cities, Genoa has an impressive cathedral.
It is in the heart of the old part of the city and is well worth a visit.
Exploring Genoa
Genoa surprised me and I spent a very enjoyable two hours walking through the old city.
The area of Genoa that I explored was well laid out for tourists, with lots of maps and signage. Every street too, seems to have a proper name on the wall, which is something unique in many parts of Europe.
But tourists were rather thin on the ground and I only saw one organised party. So perhaps you should visit Genoa before it builds more hotels and get discovered.
My Supper In Genoa
I found a gem in Genoa called the Trattoria Alle Due Torri.
Look at the web page and translate it into English and you’ll see it is endorsed by the Associazione Italiana Celiachia. They have an extensive gluten-free menu and it was great.
If you look at the picture of my starter, you’ll see something at the right that was some sort of vegetable flan, that tasted like quiche. But it was gluten free and gorgeous.
Certainly, it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had in Italy. And I’ve eaten quite a few!
I did overindulge a bit. But I was on holiday!
My Hotel In Genoa
I’d booked a cheap hotel in Genoa, because the Alexander Hotel looked to be close to the main railway station at Principe. It was very close!
The Alexander Hotel taken From The Metro Station
The hotel was clean, in an excellent location and the staff were friendly and helpful, even if they didn’t know about the metro.
Checking on the Internet, Genoa doesn’t seem to be too well served with hotels close to the main station. So if you’re going to Genoa, I’d do your research thoroughly.
The Anonymous Widower 