PORTOFINO, SANTA MARGHERITA, AND GENOA

PORTOFINO, SANTA MARGHERITA, AND GENOA

After breakfast in our room, we headed down for another early start for our shore excursion, "The Splendor of Genoa". We went by tender to the small village of Portofino situated on 'one of the most attractive sections of the Italian Riviera'. The sea was quite rough. After a short walk by the marina, we went to a different pier where we transferred to another larger boat for the trip to Santa Margherita. The narrow winding road would take too long. It is faster to go by boat. From this village, we boarded our bus for the scenic ride to Genoa.
We got off the bus in a square that boasted three palaces which displayed three different architectural styles determined by the time they were built - the earliest from the 12th century - the latest during the Renaissance period. One of them is still occupied by the sole surviving member of the original owner. We walked down Via Garibaldi which is a street of palaces built by the wealthiest people of Genoa, that included bankers, merchants, railroad barons and princes. We had a tour of three of them. Collectively, they are known as the Musei di Strada Nuova. They were owned by the Duchess of Galliera who donated all her possessions and wealth to the city of Genoa for public viewing. At the first, the Palazzo Rosso, we viewed some of the family's art collection which included paintings by Van Dyke and Carravagio. The second, the Palazzo Bianco, held priceless Flemish tapestries from the 14th century and other art works. The marble floors were works of art as were the painted ceilings. Gorgeous! From there we proceeded to the third palace which is now Genoa's City Hall. Its treasure was the violin of Paganini.
We then walked to the Piazza de Ferrari where a market was in full fling selling all kinds of goodies and foods that are specialties of the region. We visited the Church del Gesu whose plain facade gave no hint of the treasures within. Inside was a Baroque wonder - not one surface was undecorated. Incredible. As one member of our group commented, "It was the most baroque church he had ever seen". We then proceeded to the Cathedral which was started in the 14th century and had elements of medieval, gothic and baroque. It didn't hold a candle to the smaller church we had just visited.
We toodled down to the Port where we found the essential public toilet in the building housing the aquarium before heading back via the Ducal Palace to the square and our bus.
I missed the scenic drive as I fell asleep and didn't wake up until we arrived back at Santa Margherita. We were there 1/2 hour before the boat to Portofino and it was raining, so were taken on a quick walking tour of the village and church - another baroque masterpiece. The buildings of this town are known for the Trompe l'Oeil facades which mimic plaster facades and are painted in different colours. Very charming. I should note that the world's very wealthy have villas sprinkled here in the surrounding area and it is populated by 5-star hotels. Lots of big yachts.
Back at our room, our butler provided hors d'ouevres and we poured a glass of wine to aid in writing this blog.
Have discovered that we are without a working toilet - someone is supposed to be coming to fix it. We plan to order room service tonight.