Last full day in Genova- More wandering

Saturday October 23 started with some light rain (our first rain since the day of rain in Torino).  We started packing and hung around until late morning when the rain stopped.  It was still warm and cloudy when we headed out. High of 22C.  We had been thinking of a day trip to Camogli, which had been recommended by friends and our host, but we didn't really want to be outside all day in inclement weather.

We decided instead to just wander in the city, checking old some old favourites and some new streets while stopping for light bites on the way.

Our first stop was Friggitoria San Giorgio near the water. Our host had recommended it and we went there the day we arrived.  Very popular with locals.  It was very busy on a Saturday with families stopping for fried fish.  We shared a Maxi Cono,  a generous portion of fried fish and vegetables. 

At Friggitoria San Giorgio

With the Maxi Cono

We next stopped at Tazze Pazze for a quick espresso.  Very good coffee.  We had ours at the bar in the small shop.  Only 1.40 euros for a very good espresso or macchiato (they charge the same).

With Alonso's macchiato

Sign in the patio for hipster breakfast 

Small shop and quite a large patio area in narrow street 

We continued to the San Lorenzo Cathedral.  The title of Cathedral was transferred to the church of San Lorenzo in the 9th century.  At the beginning of the 12th century, the building was rebuilt in the Romanesque style.  Then during the first half of the 13th century, Franco-Norman master masons added a touch of Gothic.  We had walked by the other day, but hadn't gone in.  The door was open today and we wandered in.
Inside arches- black and white

Looking at the alter

Side chapels 

Another view

The front of the Cathedral is undergoing more restoration

Day view of the Chiesa dei Gesù which has the two Rubens which we saw yesterday evening

We walked up to Porta Soprana, one of the few surviving gates to the city built between 1155 and 1159.   It was the main access to the ancient city from the East. It is a symbol of the proud Republic of Genoa that lasted from 1096 to 1815.  It was restored in the early 20th century.

Porta Soprana

Very near the gate was a party-- lots of clapping-- Saturday afternoon lunch

It was then treat time for Alonso.
Alonso and a pistacchio brioche (sometimes called a croissant here).
Central and Southern Italy use the term cornetto.

I liked this Campari display

We then headed to Via XX Septembre to walk down to the Mercato Orientale that we had visited earlier in the week.

Wide shopping street with interesting buildings

Decorated ceilings and walls

One of the entrances to the market

Dried fruit and the real thing

There was a small food hall on the second floor

Main floor veg

We then went to Caffè dei Teatro for an aperitivo.   Alonso had a small amber beer and I had an excellent Cynar Spritz.
Time for a rest

We walked up Via Roma and checked out this Galleria of stores and a small art display in the walkway.


Meringue and chocolate mushrooms seem to be a thing in Genova right now

Back on Via Garibaldi-- Palazzo Rosso--- this street never gets tiring

Palazzo Bianca across the street

Just as we were passing the jewellery store we liked on Via Garibaldi, the owner walked by with a gelato and said hello.  I was admiring a necklace in the window so he opened the door and showed us the piece.  It needed a bit of shortening and Alonso got it for me for an early birthday gift.  I will wear it in Bologna.

Altering my piece

Jeweller and Alonso with the necklace he bought earlier in the week.

We then went back to the apartment to pack and have dinner.  We had bought some focaccia and a piece of cooked meat to have with green beans, cooked tomatoes, salad and the last of our bottle of wine.

We leave for Bologna on Sunday October 23 in the late morning.  The next post will be from Bologna on either Sunday or Monday.  Stay tuned for the last stop of our trip.

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