Panoramic bed and breakfast Genova
I honestly do not think you can find a better view than the one offered from the Torre Ducale Bed and Breakfast Genova. The place is positively mesmerizing. And very hard to let go again.
Driving to the old centre of Genova without gps is a stressful experience. There are so many different centres and narrow one-way streets blocked parked cars and steep mountain sides that you end up chasing your own tail. That was what happened to us, at least, so when we finally found a place to leave the car not too far from Porta Soprana, we had more or less lost our spirit of adventure. And the grumpiness grew to can’t-wait-to-get-out-of-here heights, when a small misunderstanding meant we had to wait 30 minutes for our hostess Maria to show up.
The ordeal evaporated the minute I opened the iron door and stepped into the room. The tower room was newly renovated and decorated with layers of oriental carpets and strings of antique ironmongery around an open fireplace. But the most striking feature were six panoramic floor to ceiling windows. With just a little help from the long, steep stairs leading up to the room, the view literally took my breath away.
We arrived late in the afternoon when the light was fading but could still see everything that went on in the square in front of the Palazzo Ducale opposite. And then lights went on all over the city, and left me floating through the glittering darkness like some spaceship invader. With a view like that, it is tempting to go out for a bottle of wine and a take-away pizza and eat in darkness at the old sewing table with all the curtains drawn.
The next morning the sun shone from a clear blue sky and revealed an old city rimmed by mountains. And I really wanted to stay another night – week – or month.
The tower room of Torre Ducale is popular among cruise ship guests, who have booked in advance. There is no sign on the door, and Maria made it very clear she does not admit just any guests who happen to pass in the streets. Visitors are also warned about the five floor stairs, as there is no lift in the building. And you make your own breakfast in the morning with an electric kettle and a plastic wrapped bakery product. But still, this Bed and Breakfast is about as close as you get to Genova heaven.
Booking.com
It’s fantastic to wake up to this view in the morning.
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Wow..that view is just beautiful! I like how you’re almost eye level with the domes. I can certainly wake up to that view and overlook the 5 flights of stairs and lack of breakfast. What a great find and stay for your family!
It was - and the most amazing thing about the view was following the changing light in the course of the day.
It sounds absolutely wonderful. Thank you for the tip. I have wanted to go to Genoa (and to nearby Chiavari) forever! By the way, if you should ever find your self in Chiavari, do look up Sig.,Franco Casoni, maestro intagliatore. He is the gentleman who carved my corzetti stamp. His ouevre in wood is positively astounding - the carving is indeed masterful. He is in the historic section of town at via Bighetti 73.
What a pity. I was in Liguria in November and might as well have gone to Chiavari. Your corzetti stamp is so wonderful, I’ll have to go back and get one of my own:) Thanks for sharing the tip - and for the address I found in one of your old blog posts.
Looks pretty darned great to me - and 5 flights of stairs never hurt anybody -it just burns off those wine calories.
So true:)
Despite being turned around and 5 flights, sounds like a return to this B&B is in order, Mette. Lovely views!
Right Marcia - a return has gone straight on my wish-list.
I think driving in Italy without satnav in general is a rather stressful experience. That said, this B&B sounds fabulous - right from the world ‘iron door’. Love the views, too. Your night time photos look like silver and gold.
It was a very special experience.
Wow! It’s beautiful! I actually lived in Genova for almost 2 years..Very unique city..My favourite place is Genova Nervi-‘the passage of Love” =)) Have you been?
I could kick myself for not being aware of the Nervi passage. It looks incredible. Now I just have to go back soon. Thank you so much for the tip:)
I love staying in B&B’s, it’s my preferred form of lodging. This place looks pretty amazing! It’s been a long while since I’ve been to Europe, but I’ve done a lot of reviews and videos on B&B’s in the States and Canada. https://www.MikesRoadTrip.com might be a good resource if ya make it across the pond.
Happy New Year!
Mike
Happy New Year to you too. Canada is a huge undiscovered world for me, but I hope to go there eventually.