The production, which had no money, turned to the people of Genoa creating a cooperative between filmmakers and viewers. They were collected the necessary money through subscriptions in the popular neighborhoods and factories.

Thus he was born the film that was to celebrate the victory of the partisans on fascism. I think this is a unique case in the world. The film was a triumph, and   even today is considered a classic. But the true cinematic myth is "The Walls of Malapaga", directed in 1949 by Rene Clement, with Jean Gabin and Isa Miranda.

A French noir set in "Caruggi" of Molo and in the Ghetto.

The film won the Academy Award for best foreign film.

Directors and actors are always Ligurian emigrants in Rome and have never  spoken too good of their town.

But some exception, as Rocco Cesareo, film director. Born in Genoa author of important works among which excels: "The Borsellino Angels", dedicated to the bodyguard, men and women who have accompanied him on his last journey. On the "The Borsellino Angels "  page is told the story about this masterpiece of   Rocco Cesareo.

"The movie poster for the Angels Borsellino"

It is not uncommon to find roads blocked in the Genovese city because someone   is shooting a movie, see the crew engaged to work and the curious who gather at the barrier. An impressive number of documentaries have been filmed for many European televisions, Genoa as a city of art but also the city in the days of the G8 mention also in “Ollomont 5”.

Very soon, we hope, to see the first take of Italian or Japanese in Genoa with the    "Zuan”  films of the "Ollomont" saga.

Which are the most used Genoese location? The renewed Piazza De Ferrari (named in Ollomont) leads the list, followed by the Old Port, the Aquarium, Via Garibaldi (both indoor and outdoor) but also from the more traditional docks of the port, as Calata Gadda pier and Calata Boccardo pier.

The crews are at home on the beautiful esplanade of Castelletto, Boccadasse and the streets of the Righi hills and the possible new location of Via Del Peralto.

To know more: GenovaSet, Palazzo Serra Gerace, via Sottoripa, 5 tel.010- 5574240

Entertainment in Genoa

In addition to the Carlo Felice opera house and theater, where you can admire the most beautiful works or the concerts, while for young people there are beautiful discos.

Or if you want a more cultural and lively evening we suggest you spend a secret evening with "The Young Singers of Sant'Olcese" directed by Maestro Paolo Besagno.

And typical of Liguria, an exciting journey back in time. To be present at their concerts, it means to be part of the musical universe.

You will be very thrilling to hear the voice of “Leonardo Marti” this talented 14 y.o. (See Young Artists page)

The "I Giovani canterini di Sant'Olcese" are available for concerts, themed events, parties, conferences and for any activities concerning the dissemination of "trallalero".

Email: presidenza@canterini.org  Phone: (0039) -010 709 428

 "It will be for the basil growing in Ligurian hinterland or to the fabulous "Trenette with pesto", that the Ligurian always manage to offer something more to the rest    of the world".

The historic center of Genoa

You can fully enjoy strolling through the typical "carruggi” (alleyways).
Its a fantasy world that keeps its treasures in one "box".

The space is so small, that "the sun of the good Lord does not give his rays " (De Andrè), then suddenly the light and unexpectedly, the road widens, a small  square, where you can breathe the scent of the cake just baked.

They are called "Rolli", from (rollo, ie: paper roll), because in the past they had a special civil service: in 1576, in fact, at the result of a census, the most prestigious residences were entered in special registers and to house famous travelers during state visits. The owners were therefore obliged to accommodate powerful  characters on a visit to the Republic and to bear the costs of representation related to their stay.

To give each family a foreign belonging to one of three categories to be accepted, was added to the roll of a dice to be chosen by lot, as in lottery games.

Possible guests in categories ranging from "Papa Imperatore Re, Legato    Cardinale , Principe up to  Ambassador to the Nunzio Pontificio, etc.", It could also be mere noble or great merchants and artists.

Speaking of artists, in the summer of 1607 in the wake of the "Duke Vincenzo", that was in the city for sea bathing, came the great "Pier Paul Rubens" and had the opportunity to appreciate the villas and palaces; thus he created in the mind a kind of ideal partnership with the homeland: the city of Antwerp.

With the taste of experience collector, who directs him to produce a homogeneous collection of reliefs and drawings.

In the introduction of the book, published in 1622, "Rubens" declared: "To do a meritorious work to the people of all the overseas provinces." Recipient of the  Book, "Palace Genoese, Don Carlo Grimaldi" man of letters and science,   grandson of "Gio Battista Grimaldi" founder of the "Meridiana palace" and the "Fortress."  

The first volume was published at his own expense, and the buildings were  entered under the letters A to K, only two buildings have an indication of the  owners (Palazzo Tursi and Pallavicino-Cambiaso), while the second edition appeared in all other numerical sequence, with the name of the owners.

In this first volume of 1626, it was associated with a letter, written by the "Rubens" to "Pieter Van Veen" in Antwerp (67 tables); appendix also presents the four  famous churches drawings: "S. Maria di Carignano", "San Siro-S.Ambrogio", "Holy Trinity of Vastato" the Meursio? And in 1652 they are presented for two different  title pages: "Ancient Palaces" and " Modern Palaces "; in addition to the villas: "Fortress" Grimaldi, Spinola, Albaro, Cambiaso and two eastern suburbs. It’s important to remember the work of detection of the architectural and cultural complex of "New Road", because it was decided to continue the experience that began as "Rubens" since 2006 by completing the translation of his work and that  of his successors.

Tourists can, on occasion, also visit the unrecognized part of the buildings: the atria, external and roof gardens and sumptuous interiors, rich in works of art of immense value.

We must also make a mention, even to the work of another artist, assistant and collaborator of Rubens, who visited Italy, especially Genoa in 1621, where he lived for four years and generates most of his works, becoming the official painter and portraitist of Genoese oligarchy, with whom he finds a way to highlight their power and pomp of a unforgettable Genoa. 

He returned to Antwerp in 1628, his hometown, to became the official painter of the King, dying only 42 years in 1641 in London. Deserve mention portraits of Ansaldo Pallavicino (Spinola), Paolina Adorno Brignole Sale (Red Palace), Anton Giulio Brignole Sale (Rosso), Caterina Balbi Durazzo (Royal Palace), Brigida Spinola  Doria and Admiral Andrea Doria.Reservations - tel.010 -2758098 museistradanuova@comune.it

The characters of the golden age of the Republic of Genoa, not existing then the photography, they may come to us thanks to the masterful brushstrokes, of this great artist who knew how to masterfully depict the magnificence of Genoa.

His talent is evident not only in the ability to reproduce the physiognomic but especially in the accurate representation of precious clothes (perhaps congenial    to him for that he comes from a wealthy bourgeois family, who traded in silk and fine fabrics).

This match between Genoa and Antwerp is not accidental, since it is already in    the past entertained commercial relations with the Flanders and recently on the occasion of the "Festival of Science", which takes place every year; there was an interesting conference, with the presence of experts from various fields.

And 'the story of two cities, but different where the splendor comes from the water, from the passions and traditions, by the great Flemish talent above all still connected by tourism and the desire for constant renewal.

* * *

Boccadasse "boca d'aze" or "bocadaze", in dialet Genovese, from doubtful  meaning or "donkey's mouth" or deriving from the stream name "asse", which   once flowed, after supplying the fountain washing "treuggi".

 The village, with its characteristic houses from pastels leaning against each other and wrapped around a small bay, has remained almost unchanged over time.

And one of the most spectacular destinations, so alive and vital, as to bring us back to the past with fishermen intent to fix the nets and redecorating their multicolored boats, behind which one has the impression of seeing materialize the "cat" of the song that "Gino Paoli" dedicated to "Boccadasse".

Going up to "St. Antonio Church ", we are in the overlying promenade Corso Italia, attacked to the “Lido” and where are its famous ice cream shops where there is a whole varied selection of tastes. Couples hand in hand, mothers with prams and young whizzing kid on skids Rollerskater ... ect.) Always and especially on summer evenings, to watch the sea and enjoy:

"That thick air strong of salt, bulk of salt and smells of sea ." (F. D'Andrè)

Sporting Genoa

For sports lovers, Genova boasts the origin of the World Soccer game. The oldest town club team is the "Genoa" was born on September 7, 1893/96, which has the privilege of being the first Italian team of the football world.

Coat of arms of Genoa Football Club emblem

But there, too, another local rival: the "Sampdoria”, formed by the merger of two clubs, Sampierdarenese and Doria, united in 1946/47"

Sampdoria Football club emblem

The antagonism between the two teams is extreme especially when they face in the "derby of Lanterna”, these "Pròtheroi theoi-titanisti", at home, at the Marassi stadium in the Bisagno River area, the fans turn on and from windows and balconies, show-off, flags and banners, which highlight the belonging to one or other team, the city then becomes coloring the districts of a picturesque and folckloristic chromaticism. At one time the sport was more civilized, was rejoiced at the victory or accepted defeat with aplomb, almost Anglo-Saxon. It seems that the first formations were made up by an Englishman: "Genoa cricket club football."

Taste and Flavors

The "Journey" continues through the taste, the flavors and smells of good food.

An interesting route, especially useful, when fatigue will have the upper hand, the "alleyways" of the shops with their scented wake, will have tickled your taste buds and your stomach so near to the heart.

Then it's time to search the options and Genova boasts a lot of great restaurants (for traditional Genovese we suggest the Trattorie "Taverns") in Genoa all trattorie offer excellent dishes. The traditional dish of the Genovese city are the "trenette or bavette (small noodles) with pesto sauce ". Dish made with basil, is considered a vegetarian dish.

An interesting route, especially useful, when fatigue will have the upper hand, the "alleyways" of the shops with their scented wake, will have tickled your taste buds and your stomach so near to the heart.

Then it's time to search the options and Genova boasts a lot of great restaurants (for traditional Genovese we suggest the Trattorie "Taverns") in Genoa all trattorie offer excellent dishes. The traditional dish of the Genovese city are the "trenette or bavette (small flat pasta noodles) with pesto sauce ". Dish made with basil, is considered a vegetarian dish.

Trenette with pesto

The various seasonings, such as: "Pesto" the "walnut sauce" "prescinseua"  (feature and symbol of Genoese cooking) "oil and sage" "sauce" "mushroom sauces based on tomatoes" ...

Serving to flavor pasta dishes based on pasta: pasta, trofie, fettuccine, lasagna, gnocchi, ravioli,  pansotti  (filled with meat or fish).

 Fresh fish: Sea bass    Sea bass freshly caught     Anchovies                   Squid                    Mussels

All this you can find and enjoy while you can relive a magical atmosphere that  takes us back in time, where you can hear soft music of the unforgettable singer-songwriter-poet "Fabrizio D'Andre", "Gino Paoli", " Bruno Lauzi " or      "I Trilli" and many others. ("RINA" which is located in Mura delle Grazie 3 R Tel. 0102466475 in front of the Aquarium). Their beautiful and elegant website is located at:  http://www.ristorantedarina.it  e-mail.  info@ristorantedarina.it

The Ligurian cuisine reflects the sincere and genuine character of an essential  area, given its location between the mountains and the sea but rich in resources and worthy of consideration.

The "sailors" dishes, the simple recipes every day, seafood (that fishermen sell fresh even today, in the morning, in the dock), the bass fish, the flavor of the anchovies, the characteristic scent of squid, the delicacy of mussels, flavors masterfully enhanced by the skilful addition of essential ingredients and historically "poor" such as tomato, garlic, parsley and a little olive oil extra virgin.

The Minestrone Genovese is made when added some pesto, without pine nuts,  and only when the fire is off)

Minestrone alla Genovese

As we cannot forget the pies: "Torta Pasqualina", the "focaccia" (simple, sage, rosemary, oregano, onion, with olives, with slices of fresh tomato, anchovy, etc.) There's even one with Nutella for dipping at breakfast in the cappuccino.   "Focaccia col formaggio" (typical and unique usually is made from the lovely    small town of Recco, outside Genoa, along the Via Aurelia, on the Eastern Riviera.

Focaccia Genovese 

Torta Pasqualina

But let us now explain the various main dish: The "Top" (one of the most popular dishes of the Ligurian cuisine). The "Accommodated stockfish ", one of the most imaginative local cuisine (in Genoa is said "stocche"). The "Thin Cappon" it is the dish that most of all explains the art of recycling in the kitchen, as a poor dish has become the most refined and expensive preparations for great restaurants tables. The "Tripe" (the sauce, green, moist, etc ... the more good if there is the "Gola." The "Bollito "(mixed meat in broth, even better if accompanied by the exclusive" green sauce ", with parsley, garlic, etc.)

Cima alla Genovese

 Bollito misto

And for dessert "Pandolce" (typical cake stuffed with pine nuts, raisins, and other choice ingredients, typical of the Christmas holidays, but you can also eat any time you liker).

Panettone Genovese

And to keep your throat cool: The “Ice Cream” of any kind made freshly exclusively from the typical “Genovese Ice Cream shop”. Cups with varied tastes, “affogati with the cafè”, with berries, etc. After the meal, we must mention the "caffè" (proposed coffee in different variations, but with the unmistakable fragrance and flavor); then there is a wide choice of bitters, which are also called "ammazzacaffè"(coffee killer).

It's important to remember the importance of the wines: red, pink or white, Liguria produces from the characteristic vineyards, the typical bands overhanging the sea, the most famous ones of the "Cinque Terre", but also others who definitely are the experts " barmen or wines waiters "will advise, to accompany the dishes of your choice with dignity. Or visit the website of the wines “DOC” in Liguria:

There is much to write, but if you're interested in this subject  and learning more Genoese gastronomic, please contact us, and ask us any questions, We'll try happily to answer them.

VIRGIN OLIVE OIL OF LIGURIA

We cannot, not to mention the palatability of the Ligurian oil, one of the best this comes precisely from Liguria in the municipality of "Mezzanego" where an inner moist soil and at the same time kissed by the sun and the breeze coming from the "Ligurian Sea" awards from Divine virtues needed to sustain olive trees.

Thanks to this particular “natural” mixture the Ligurian olive trees offer a higher quality of olives and therefore a precious olive oil.

The first pressing olive oil (extra virgin) is very digestible, so that today the young people in the early morning they take a tablespoon of “virgin olive oil” to keep them active throughout the day.

In Liguria there are many mills, but one in particular is in the "Borgonovo Ligure" is called "Oil Mill". It is one of the few that sells through the website and because the product is canned, the shipping is safe and can be send worldwide.