Genoa

La Superba: The Phantom Empire of Genoa

2.2 km104 min8 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Discover the dual soul of Genoa, a city that ruled the waves and invented modern finance. On this sweeping journey, you will navigate the gritty, shadowed alleys of the ancient mariners and emerge into the blinding opulence of Europe's first true financial capital. Uncover how a rocky Italian port became a state within states, funding empires, outsmarting kings, and building palaces so grand they required royal courts to fill them.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Palazzo San Giorgio

The ancient civic palace that became the world's first modern bank, funding explorers and empires.

Palazzo San Giorgio

Image by John Samuel on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.64 km • 10 min
2

STOP 2

Loggia dei Mercanti

The 16th-century Wall Street where merchants traded commodities and expanded the maritime insurance market.

Loggia dei Mercanti

Image by Ettorre (gregorio) mail: ettorre(at)gmail(dot)com on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.33 km • 5 min
3

STOP 3

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

A striking black-and-white cathedral built with Crusade wealth, housing what was once believed to be the Holy Grail.

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

Image by John Samuel on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.24 km • 4 min
4

STOP 4

Piazza San Matteo

The perfectly preserved, private medieval square of the Doria family, rulers of Genoa's naval fleets.

Piazza San Matteo

Image by José Luiz on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.39 km • 6 min
5

STOP 5

Palazzo Rosso

A lavish red palace on Via Garibaldi, showcasing the peak of the Rolli hospitality system.

Palazzo Rosso

Image by Paolo Monti on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.08 km • 1 min
6

STOP 6

Palazzo Bianco

The elegant white rival to Palazzo Rosso, illustrating the intense architectural competition among Genoa's elite.

Palazzo Bianco

Image by Paolo Monti on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.11 km • 2 min
7

STOP 7

Palazzo Doria Tursi

The most massive palace on the street, built by a Spanish banker, now housing the city hall and Paganini's violin.

Palazzo Doria Tursi

Image by Doppiotango on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.39 km • 6 min
8

END

Spianata Castelletto

A panoramic terrace offering a sweeping view of the city, the port, and the legacy of La Superba.

Spianata Castelletto

Image by Emanuela Meme Giudic… on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, finance nerds, and urban explorers fascinated by the origins of global capitalism and maritime empires.
  • Best time Late afternoon, when the golden hour light hits the palazzi and the ancient port begins to cool.
  • Footwear Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The medieval alleys are cobbled and uneven.
  • Pacing Take your time on Via Garibaldi. The architectural details require a slow, upward gaze.
  • Elevator Fare Keep a few coins handy for the Art Nouveau elevator to Spianata Castelletto.
  • Museum Access Check the opening hours for the Palazzi dei Rolli if you wish to see Paganini's violin.
  • Awareness The caruggi can be a maze. Keep your redthread app open to stay on track.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Max Krämer
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Max Krämer

  • History & Memory
  • Northern Germany

Historian with a passion for urban places of remembrance. Has worked in archives and museums for years; shows the traces of revolutions, monuments, and colonial pasts in today's streets.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

Now only €3.99 incl. VAT