Genoa from Above: A Journey Through Historic Funiculars and the Castelletto Lift

To truly understand Genoa, sooner or later you need to look up. The narrow alleys, squares and harbour reveal a great deal about the city, but it is from above that you can fully appreciate its shape: a stretch of rooftops squeezed between the sea and the hills.

This is also why funiculars and public lifts have been part of daily life in Genoa for more than a century. Originally built to connect neighbourhoods at different elevations, they now offer visitors a quick and convenient way to reach some of the city's most interesting viewpoints.

From the Zecca-Righi Funicular to the Castelletto Lift, here are the transport systems worth discovering and why they deserve a place in your itinerary when exploring Genoa from above.

Zecca-Righi Funicular: From the Old Town to Views Across the Gulf

Among Genoa's funicular railways, the Zecca-Righi line is probably the one that best showcases the transition from the city centre to the hills overlooking the city. The lower station is located in Largo della Zecca, just a short walk from Via Garibaldi and the historic centre, while the upper terminus is in the Righi district.

During the journey, the funicular climbs more than 270 metres and passes through several residential neighbourhoods on the hillsides above Genoa. The ride only takes a few minutes, but it offers ever-changing views over the rooftops, the port and the sea.

Once you reach Righi, it is worth spending some time exploring the area. From here, you can enjoy some of the widest views over the city and the Gulf of Genoa, particularly on clear days. The district is also an excellent starting point for walks and hiking trails across the surrounding hills, including routes leading to Genoa's historic fortifications and the Parco delle Mura.

Sant'Anna Funicular: A Short Journey into Genoa's Past

Just a few steps from Piazza Portello lies the lower station of the Sant'Anna Funicular, one of the city's most distinctive historic transport systems. Opened in the late nineteenth century and still operating today, it connects the city centre with the Sant'Anna neighbourhood along a short route that has retained much of its original character.

The ride lasts only a few minutes, but it takes visitors to an area of Genoa that is often overlooked. Here, the pace slows down: the streets become quieter, traffic gives way to lesser-known corners of the city, and the atmosphere is that of a neighbourhood still largely lived in by local residents.

Nearby, you will also find the historic Sant'Anna complex, including its church and the Carmelite friars' pharmacy, considered one of the oldest in Europe. It is an interesting stop for those who want to step away from the busiest areas of the historic centre and discover a different side of Genoa.

Castelletto Lift: Genoa's Most Famous Viewpoint

Many first-time visitors discover Spianata Castelletto almost by chance. Simply walk through the gallery in Piazza Portello and take the Castelletto Lift to find yourself, within just a few minutes, facing a completely different view from the one offered by the narrow streets and squares of the historic centre.

From here, your gaze stretches across slate rooftops, church bell towers, the Old Port and the Lanterna lighthouse. It is one of those places that helps you understand the layout of Genoa: a city that develops between the sea and the hills, with neighbourhoods climbing the slopes and streets constantly changing elevation.

Spianata Castelletto is well worth including in any itinerary, both for the view and its location. It can easily be reached on foot from the historic centre and makes a pleasant stop during a day spent exploring the caruggi, Via Garibaldi and the Old Port.

A Walking Itinerary Between the Historic Centre, Castelletto and Righi

If you have at least half a day available, you can combine some of Genoa's most interesting attractions into a route linking the historic centre with the city's panoramic viewpoints.

Thanks to its location just a short walk from Genova Brignole railway station and the city centre, Hotel Astoria is a convenient starting point for exploring both the caruggi and the viewpoints reached by Genoa's historic funiculars and lifts.

The itinerary can begin at the Old Port, one of the busiest areas of Genoa's waterfront, before continuing through the caruggi, the maze of narrow alleys that forms the heart of the historic centre. From here, it is easy to reach Piazza Portello, where you will find the entrance to the Castelletto Lift.

Once at Spianata Castelletto, take a few moments to admire the city from above before heading back towards Largo della Zecca. Here you can board the Zecca-Righi Funicular, which climbs to the hills overlooking Genoa in just a few minutes.

After arriving in Righi, you can enjoy a panoramic walk along the trails that cross the hills behind the city or simply take in the views over the centre, the port and the sea. It is a different way to experience Genoa, combining narrow streets, steep climbs and panoramic views without straying too far from the heart of the city.

Useful Information for Using Genoa's Funiculars and Lifts

Genoa's public funiculars and lifts are part of the AMT public transport network and can be used with a standard urban transport ticket at no additional cost.

Timetables, service interruptions and transport updates may vary throughout the year, so it is always advisable to check the official AMT Genoa website before your visit. Up-to-date information is available on the public transport operator's official website.