A remarkable example of Rationalist architecture, Corso Italia, Genoa’s seaside promenade, unravels eastward from Piazza Rossetti.
Although this is not the only city seaside walkway, Corso Italia certainly is the most popular as it is the closest to the city centre and there are many bathing establishments, restaurants, sports clubs, discos and places where you can spend a pleasant evening by the sea, all year round.
Opened sometime between World War I and II, Corso Italia changed the look of this stretch of coast considerably, as earlier on it had mostly been rocky, though dotted with convents, fields and vineyards.
The wide pavement of the promenade is decorated with compass roses, and people come here for a stroll, to jog, skate, ride their bikes, sunbathe or just to watch the stunning winter sunsets.
After the parking lot next to the Genoa Trade Fair, visitors come to the Gilberto Govi gardens – a good viewpoint to watch the ships sailing into and out of the harbour. After the headland of Punta Vagno and its diminutive lighthouse lies San Giuliano beach with its many bathing establishments and a 14th century abbey dedicated to Saint Julian – the only remaining ancient church in this area.
Opposite the abbey, visitors should take a look at the fanciful Villa Canali by designer Gino Coppedé.
Lido d'Albaro, the most fashionable bathing and seaside establishment in town is next along the promenade, which ends right by the church of Sant’Antonio da Padova, from whence visitors can go down into the delightful fishing village of Boccadasse.