La Casa di Cristoforo Colombo is an 18th-century reconstruction of the childhood home of one of the world’s most famous explorers. The museum within the building displays period décor and explores the life of Christopher Columbus. Take photos of the quaint and crumbly stone façade, with its large black portal and windows.
Spot the large Italian flag and the symbol of St. George that are hoisted from the façade. Enter the building and wander through the intriguing rooms, imagining the great explorer living here in the 1400s. The building was reconstructed in the 1700s, after being bombed in 1684.
The museum shows a film in Italian about the life and family of Christopher Columbus. Note that the explorer was born in Genoa in 1451 and is thought to have lived in this home from 1455 to 1470. He is known for navigating four iconic voyages across the Atlantic Ocean for the Catholic monarchs of Spain, and playing a huge role in the eventual European settlement of the Americas.
Relax in the pleasant gardens around the side and back of the house. Enjoy a picnic between the trees and read a book in the shade. Note the ruins of an arched structure here.
There is a fee to enter the house. Kids get in free. The building is fairly small and can be visited in less than 30 minutes. Tickets to the house include admittance to the Porta Soprana towers.
Find La Casa di Cristoforo Colombia just outside the Porta Soprana city gate in the historic center of Genoa. Arrive at the De Ferrari metro station and walk south for a few minutes to locate it. You can also take a bus to a nearby stop. Visit other Genoa attractions, such as the Palazzo Ducale, the Palazzo della Nuova Borsa Valori and the Piazza De Ferrari.
