Visiting timetable10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
|Wednesday, March 4, 2026Genoa, Italy – Porto Antico, Piazza Caricamento & Piazza De Ferrari
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urban-planning
Sampierdarena - The Forgotten Villas of Genoa
Sampierdarena was once the 'San Tropez' of Genoa. Discover the glorious 16th-century villas hiding behind the modern factories.
11/20/2025
7 min read
As your bus or transfer drives west from the port, you enter Sampierdarena. Today, it looks gritty and industrial.
The Surprise
In the 16th century, this was the holiday resort for the nobility. It had beaches and massive gardens.
- The Twist: The industrial revolution turned the gardens into factories (Ansaldo) and the beaches into port docks.
- Hidden Beauty: Villa Scassi (La Bellezza) still exists with its park, a green survivor in a concrete jungle.
About the Author
Urban Explorer
We are passionate about Italy's underrated cities. This guide helps visitors unlock the secrets of Genoa, navigating its vertical landscape with ease and comfort.
Tags
Sampierdarena
Industry
Villas
Hidden Gems
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