I❤️ Markets: Genova
Italy's largest port and in the Mediterranean
I have been traveling in Liguria for years, but never actually stopped in Genova, but rather explored the smaller Ligurian towns on both sides. From driving by, Genova looked so large and built up it didn’t make me want to stop.
For the guide, I decided to take the train in and explore on my own. Genova is one of the largest ports for the cruise lines as well and often used as a base for day tripping even to Chianti! If you drive, it’s a little over two hours, so it’s all possible. But why ignore such a beautiful city?
We happened to visit during a heat wave so these covered walkways saved us. When visiting the old part of town, you will discover the “caruggi”, small dark alleys which also provide shade.
Everyone knows Pesto is from Genova and to make Pesto outside if Liguria it will be different. As with all regional recipes, there is a reason. The ingredients are different.
It’s all about the basil! The basil here has much smaller leaves and a totally different flavor. The oil here is more delicate… and hard to believe, but some people make pesto without garlic.
The more you travel the more you learn.
In this month’s guide, I share my favorite food market and some favorite trattorias and places to visit.
Later this month I will be sharing a few Ligurian recipes as well.
It was so wonderful to taste the recipes where they were created.
I know when I travel and teach,it’s hard sometimes to get the recipes right without the right ingredients! One reason, when I travel I hit the markets first.
I couldn’t eat at too many places myself, but I have friends in Genova that shared their favorite places as well.
What’s nice about the Thatch guides is that each listing has the hours places are open, their phone numbers to reserve, website links if possible and access to maps to help you get there!
The details in the decorations of the churches and palazzo show how rich Genova was as a city! We learned it had the first bank!
I have over 60 places listed. It’s fun to have some tips on where to go, but often while searching for somewhere, you find your own special places.
When you become a paid subscriber, you get access to all the past posts as well. This year’s theme was the markets of Italy, and there are also lots of recipes.
January:Bologna
February:Florence
March:Rome
April:Livorno
May: Palermo
June:Catania