The experience
Genoa, a city overlooking the Ligurian Sea, enchants travelers with its thousand-year history, its port and the tangible evidence of the journey that profoundly marked the destiny of thousands of people between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This two-day itinerary focuses on Genoa as a starting point to the new world.
We will cross the cobbled alleys and historical monuments of Genoa, digging into the link between the maritime past and the poignant stories of the emigrants who crossed the borders of this city in search of a new life.
After breathing in the salty air of the port, we’ll head into the narrow, winding alleys of the old town. This urban labyrinth will catapult us back in time, transporting us to the time when the city was the crossroads of people coming from all over Italy to embark on a sailing brig or a motor steamer to the Americas. The colorful medieval buildings, the narrow and dark alleys, the lively squares and the port activities will transport us to a unique atmosphere, where the past merges with the present in a Mediterranean souk atmosphere.
The parts of the city that we will focus on the most are the port, the Museum of Italian Emigration and the Lanterna.
The journey begins in the beating heart of Genoa: its port. Known as the “oldest port in Italy”, this scenic seaport has seen ships ply its waters since the Middle Ages. Watching the ships come in and out, you are immediately immersed in the history of a place that has been the starting point for countless adventures. The ancient docks, centuries-old cranes and restored warehouses tell stories of trade, discoveries and departures that have shaped the destination of many families.
The Museum of Italian Emigration stands as a custodian of the testimonies of those who have abandoned their homeland in search of opportunities beyond national borders.
The faded photographs, the letters with unsteady handwriting and the period objects will introduce us to the lives of those who left with a cardboard suitcase and a strong hope in their hearts.
An exciting exploration that will allow us to fully understand the courage, determination and difficulties encountered by those who embarked on this extraordinary adventure.
The Lantern of Genoa, the majestic symbol of the city, is one of the oldest and most famous lighthouses in the world, as well as being one of the historical emblems of the port of Genoa. Rising majestically on the hill of San Benigno, the Lanterna dominates the horizon and offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the city and the Ligurian Sea.
It was the last thing that emigrants leaving the Ligurian capital saw as they moved away from the coast and it is not difficult to imagine their hearts already swollen with nostalgia for their homeland.
Another part of the trip that we will explore together is the one related to the sailing conditions. Inside the Museum of the Sea and Navigation there is an entire section dedicated to the sea crossing on the ocean liners and steamships of the time. Literally put yourself in the shoes of your ancestors, board with the passport of one of them, get on board and experience first-hand the conditions of travel in third class. And when you arrive at Ellis Island, try to pass the health and safety check. Only at the end will you find out if you have obtained the long-awaited entry visa or if, on the contrary, you will be sent back with a “denied” stamped in large letters on your identity document.
