Piazza De Ferrari, Genoa
The great bronze fountain, Palazzo Ducale, Teatro Carlo Felice: the drawing room of La Superba, the hinge between the medieval caruggi and 19th-century Genoa. An independent guide with the practical information that actually matters.
The Fountain
A large circular bronze basin, the work of architect Cesare Crosa di Vergagni, inaugurated in 1936. It's the symbolic centre of the square and one of the city's most photographed spots, especially when lit up at night.
Palazzo Ducale
The former seat of the Doge of the Republic of Genoa, with medieval origins reworked many times over. It faces the square with its side wall, while the main entrance is on the adjacent Piazza Matteotti. Today it hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
Teatro Carlo Felice
Genoa's principal opera house, designed by Carlo Barabino in the neoclassical style. Rebuilt after wartime bombing, it remains the heart of the city's lyric and symphonic life.
Palazzo della Borsa
The former Genoa stock exchange, a masterpiece of Genoese Art Nouveau (1912) by Dario Carbone with decorations by Adolfo Coppedè. Its curved façade elegantly closes one corner of the square.
The square is the hinge between two Genoas
On one side of the fountain, the caruggi open up — the maze of medieval alleyways of the UNESCO-listed old town; on the other, 19th-century Genoa begins, with Via XX Settembre and Via Roma, their shops, arcades and elegant buildings. In a few steps you pass from one era to another — probably the fastest way to grasp how the city is layered.
The square is free and always open, but Palazzo Ducale and the Aquarium have paid entry for exhibitions and routes — booking ahead is worthwhile, especially in high season.
Trattorias of the caruggi
Trofie with pesto, trenette, cima alla genovese: the best restaurants are often in the alleyways of the old town, away from tourist-menu venues facing directly onto the square.
See food toursFocaccia and farinata
Genoese focaccia, oily and crisp, is eaten for breakfast or as a snack from the historic bakeries of the centre. Chickpea farinata, baked in wood-fired ovens, is the most authentic taste of the city.
See tastingsAperitivo in Piazza De Ferrari
A glass of Ligurian wine at tables overlooking the square, with the illuminated fountain and Palazzo Ducale in the background — the most Genoese way to start the evening.
See evening tastingsSeptember, Old Port
One of the world's most important boat shows transforms the old port for a week; the square becomes one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city.
See what's onLuci d'Artista
From December to January, artist-designed light installations illuminate the squares and alleyways of the centre, with Piazza De Ferrari among the most striking locations.
See what's onSan Giovanni, Genoa's patron saint
On June 24th the city celebrates its patron saint with religious and civic events; it's also a chance to rediscover the maritime traditions of La Superba.
See the programmeRun a business in Genoa?
Trattorias, pastry shops, tour operators, wine bars: if you'd like to be featured in this section or in "What to See", get in touch.
Hotels
Service, breakfast included, 24-hour reception. The most convenient choice for short stays in the historic centre, often in restored period buildings.
Search hotelsApartments
Space, your own kitchen, ideal for families or longer stays. Often better value than hotels for groups of 3 or more.
Search apartmentsB&Bs
Local warmth, home-cooked breakfast, lower prices. The most authentic way to experience the caruggi of the old town.
Search B&BsTransfer
Genoa Airport (Cristoforo Colombo) is about 20-25 minutes by Volabus or taxi from the centre. From Genoa Piazza Principe station, the square is a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride.
Full transfer guideCar rental
Genoa's historic centre has an extensive restricted traffic zone and alleyways too narrow for a car: pointless and not advisable for the square itself. It makes sense for exploring Portofino, Camogli or the Riviera independently.
When it's worth renting
Space reserved for local operators.
Piazze d'Italia Network
Piazza De Ferrari is one of the iconic squares told by the Piazze d'Italia network — independent territorial guides dedicated to the places where history, architecture and public life meet, city after city.
Discover the other piazze →
Your first stop in Genoa: the drawing room of La Superba
The fountain, Palazzo Ducale and Teatro Carlo Felice can be visited as a single, free, always-open block.
See tickets and experiences