The scent of late spring mingles with the sea salt as Genoa prepares to offer a weekend of pure magic. From April 17 to 19, the Superba dresses up for celebration with a packed calendar of events ranging from contemporary culture to ancient traditions, from international jazz music to the authentic flavors of Liguria.
April is the month when Genoa reveals its most fascinating face: the caruggi fill with life, panoramic terraces are colored with blooming wisteria, and the Porto Antico becomes the natural stage for festivals and events that celebrate the city’s maritime identity. It is no coincidence that precisely during this time of year the city reveals its most authentic nature, that of a cultural crossroads between sea and mountains, between tradition and innovation.
The Grimaldina Tower reopens its secrets
After decades of waiting, the Grimaldina Tower of Palazzo Ducale is finally accessible to the public again. This architectural jewel, built between the 10th and 13th centuries, has guarded for centuries the darkest secrets of the Genoese Republic. In its cells passed illustrious prisoners such as the pirate Dragut and figures who made the history of the city.
The restoration financed by the PNRR has returned to the community not only the historic interiors, but also the spectacular panoramic terrace, never before open to the public. From here the gaze embraces the entire medieval historic center, the most extensive in Europe, all the way to the sea that made Genoa great. The guided tour “Grimaldina. A Tower to Discover” is much more than a simple tour: it is a sonic journey through vertical Genoa, along those streets that climb from the caruggi toward the sky.
The immersive experience combines history, architecture and the authentic sounds of the city, creating a narrative that transforms every visitor into a protagonist of Genoese history. It is the perfect opportunity for those who want to discover the most authentic and least touristy side of Genoa, the one that hides behind the facades of palaces and in the folds of history.
Monk’s jazz resonates in the city’s theaters
Friday evening music takes over with a truly special event: “Monk’s Mood,” a show dedicated to Thelonious Monk, the pianist who revolutionized worldwide jazz. At Teatro della Tosse – La Claque, Anna Sini and her quintet will guide the audience through the masterpieces of the genius from Rocky Mount, while actress Raffaella Tagliabue will give voice to the most extraordinary episodes of Monk’s life.
Infrogmation of New Orleans, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
It’s not just a concert, but a true theatrical-musical performance that blends narrative and jazz improvisation in an original format. The choice of location is no accident: La Claque, in the heart of the historic center, is an intimate space that values the intimate and experimental dimension of jazz, perfect for immersing yourself in the artistic universe of a musician who managed to transform apparent chaos into pure sonic poetry.
Those who love classical music will instead find another gem at the Teatro Sociale in Camogli: the concert by Genoese pianist Adolfo Barabino, with a repertoire ranging from Schubert to Chopin and Debussy. Barabino is known for his meticulous attention to sound and the delicate nuances of his piano playing, qualities that promise to transform the listening experience into one of pure beauty.
Porto Antico transforms into a temple of taste
If there is a place where Genoa shows all its soul, it is Porto Antico. And this weekend, Calata Falcone Borsellino becomes the stage for “Cucina Liguria 2026“, three days of celebration of regional gastronomic excellence. It’s not your usual market: it’s a true festival of authenticity, where local producers and artisans tell stories of tradition and passion.
Among the most interesting events, the “Sensory Journey: DOP Oil and Taggiasca Olives IGP” curated by Azienda Olivicola Belollari. Here you discover the excellence of DOP Riviera Ligure oil through the direct account of those who produce it, an experience that engages all the senses and reveals the secrets of a product that is a symbol of Liguria worldwide.
On Sunday don’t miss “Flowers on the Table”, the masterclass dedicated to edible flowers. Snapdragon, nasturtium and begonia become the protagonists of a tasting that also includes Be!Gine, a non-alcoholic floral beverage that represents innovation while respecting tradition. It’s the perfect example of how Genoa knows how to look to the future without forgetting its roots.
Also at Porto Antico, the “Biodistretto Val di Vara” offers a tasting of craft beers and herbal liqueurs, a journey through the Upper Val di Vara through the stories of those who live off the land every day. It’s the chance to discover a territory often underrated but rich in excellence.
Theater between tradition and provocation
The theatrical panorama of the weekend offers options for all tastes. At Teatro Verdi, the Compagnia Goliardica Baistrocchi presents “Tutti Dentro”, a show that is a satirical and humorous journey inside the human body. Directed by Luigi Traverso, it’s the perfect example of Genoese theater that knows how to combine entertainment and intelligence.
Those who prefer author-driven theater can choose between two very different options: in Camogli, Debora Caprioglio plays Artemisia Gentileschi in “Not Gentle, But Gentileschi”, an intense monologue that tells the life story of the extraordinary Baroque artist. At Teatro Stradanuova, meanwhile, Fausto Paravidinovil offers a provocative reinterpretation of Charlie Brown’s Peanuts, transforming childhood innocence into a reflection on contemporary social conflicts.
For families: sports spectacle and creative workshops
Families with children are spoiled for choice. Sunday evening at Stadium Genova, the legendary Harlem Globetrotters arrive to celebrate their centennial with a show that transforms every basketball game into pure entertainment. Impossible dribbling, spectacular shots, and hilarious gags create an unforgettable experience for both adults and children.
For younger children, Saturday afternoon at Palazzo Ducale there is “Notes in the Family”, a music workshop where children can explore sounds, rhythms, and melodies in a playful and creative atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to introduce young people to music through play and discovery.
Sports and nature for outdoor lovers
Sunday, April 19, Genova becomes the capital of sports with the Half Marathon starting and finishing at Porto Antico. The 21-kilometer course is a true tour of the city’s beauties: from the Aquarium to Piazza De Ferrari, from the charming fishing village of Boccadasse to the striking Sopraelevata, closed to traffic for the occasion. Even those who don’t run can enjoy the spectacle and festive atmosphere that envelops the city.
For those seeking a more intimate connection with nature, “Natural Connections” takes place at the Laghetti di Nervi, a wellness and mindfulness experience that is part of a national event promoted by the NatureTherapy Association. It’s the perfect opportunity to rediscover your relationship with the natural environment in one of the city’s most beautiful parks.
The weekend gem: Santa Chiara Monastery
Those who want to discover a lesser-known corner of Genova should not miss the Lavoà Lapò concert at the Monastero di Santa Chiara, in the heart of Boccadasse. The two Marseille-based artists Damien Toumi and Mànu Théron bring to the stage a fascinating journey through the Occitan tradition revisited in a contemporary key, where voices and drums intertwine in an energetic performance.
The Monastery, often overlooked by mainstream tourist circuits, is a gem of spirituality and art that deserves a visit. Its location, between the fishing village of Boccadasse and the sea, creates a unique atmosphere that amplifies the enchantment of the music. After the concert, a walk along the Boccadasse beach at sunset is the perfect way to end the evening.
This mid-April weekend is the ideal opportunity to rediscover Genoa in all its aspects: from the thousand-year history enclosed in the Grimaldina Tower to the gastronomic innovations of Porto Antico, from theatrical tradition to the boldest musical experiments. The city opens like a book with a thousand pages, ready to tell its stories to those who know how to listen.
If Genoa is calling you with its spring fragrant with sea and history, our residences in the heart of the city await you to transform this weekend into an unforgettable experience. Because Genoa is not just a destination: it is an encounter with authenticity that changes the way you see the world.
