Avoid the peak of traffic and enjoy the quiet beauty of the early morning

Most tourists choose to go to Genoa Cathedral after 10 am, which leads to a surge of people inside and around the church. If you want to enjoy a quiet, you might as well try to get up early. In the early morning of Genoa, the sun shines softly on the ancient buildings. At this time, the cathedral is less noisy and more sacred and solemn. When the church just opens at 8 am, you can stroll alone in the square of the church and quietly admire the appearance of this Gothic building. The black and white marble stripes on the front of the cathedral are unique and eye-catching, a style not common in Italian church architecture. If you look closely, you will find exquisite sculpture details, and each carving seems to be telling a historical story. Walking into the church, the light shines through the stained glass windows, forming colorful light and shadow. At this time, without the interference of the crowd, you can hear your footsteps more clearly echoing in the empty church, and immerse yourself in this quiet and sacred atmosphere.

Explore the basement of the church

Many tourists don’t know that the basement of the Genoa Cathedral is a different world. Find the entrance to the basement from one side of the church, and slowly go down the stairs, as if entering another time and space. There are many precious historical relics and relics preserved in the basement, among which the most eye-catching are some ancient tombstones and sarcophagi. The carvings on these tombstones are exquisitely crafted, some depict the image of the deceased before his death, and some are decorated with complex patterns and religious symbols. Here, you can learn about the history of Genoa’s nobles and important figures and feel the precipitation of years. In addition, there are still some ancient murals on the walls of the basement. Although they have been eroded by the years, they can still be seen as exquisite in those days. Appreciating these murals under the dim light is like traveling back to the Middle Ages, and you can more deeply appreciate the profound historical heritage of the Genoa Cathedral.

Participate in the church guided tour activities

The Genoa Cathedral regularly holds guided tours, where professional tour guides lead tourists to deeply understand the history, architectural features and art treasures of the church. This is a hidden gameplay that cannot be missed. The guided tour usually starts with the appearance of the church, introducing the evolution of the architectural style and the meaning of the sculptures on the front. After entering the church, the tour guide will give a detailed introduction to the functions and stories behind each area. For example, the altar of the church adopts a gorgeous Baroque style, and the sculptures and paintings on it are all from famous artists. The tour guide will explain to you the religious scenes depicted in these works and the background of the artists' creation. During the visit, you can also learn some interesting anecdotes about the construction process of the church, such as the source of building materials, the difficulties in the construction process and how to overcome them. Taking a guided tour will allow you to get to know Genoa Cathedral in every detail instead of just the surface.

Climb the bell tower of the church and overlook the panoramic view of Genoa

The bell tower of Genoa Cathedral is a great place to enjoy the beautiful city, but you need to know the opening hours in advance and wait in line. The process of climbing the bell tower may be a bit hard, and you need to climb a narrow staircase, but when you reach the top, all your efforts will be rewarded. From the bell tower, you can see the beautiful scenery of Genoa. You can see the ancient streets winding and winding, with colorful buildings on both sides. In the distance, the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and the prosperity of the city complement each other. The scenery of the bell tower is different at different times. In the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun shines on the city, and the whole of Genoa is dyed golden, which is particularly spectacular at this time. On the bell tower, you can also observe the roof structure of the church and other surrounding buildings up close, and feel the unique urban style of Genoa.

Pay attention to the music activities in the church

Genoa Cathedral often hosts various music activities, especially during special festivals and celebrations. These music activities include organ performances, choir singing, etc., which add a strong artistic atmosphere to the church. Pay attention to the church's official website or social media account to learn about the music activities in advance and arrange your itinerary. Listening to music in the church is a completely different experience from that in an ordinary concert hall. The unique acoustic effect of the church makes the music more melodious. When the grand sound of the organ echoes in the church, or the heavenly sound of the choir sounds, you will feel a power that shakes your soul. Even if you don't catch up with special music events, there will occasionally be musicians in the church for impromptu performances. If you are lucky, you can also encounter a wonderful music feast.

Explore the alleys around the church

The alleys around Genoa Cathedral are full of life and are also part of the hidden gameplay. After coming out of the church, don't rush to leave, turn around and walk into those narrow alleys. There are many specialty shops in these alleys, some of which sell local handicrafts, such as exquisite ceramics, hand-woven accessories, etc.; some are traditional food shops, where you can taste Genoa's specialties, such as the famous focaccia bread. Strolling in the alleys, you can also find some street art works, murals, graffiti, etc., which add a modern vitality to the ancient alleys. Chat with the locals and learn about their lifestyles and the stories of the city. These alleys are a portrayal of real life in Genoa, allowing you to feel the unique charm of the city, not just staying at the popular attractions frequented by tourists.

These hidden ways to play in Genoa's Cathedral Cattedrale di San Lorenzo allow you to understand and appreciate this magnificent building from different angles. Each way of playing can bring you a unique experience. Next time you go to Genoa, you might as well try these hidden ways to play to make your trip more colorful.