_edited.png)
Genoa is a city that also lives on the big and small screen. Its alleys, Old Port and glimpses of the sea have been the set of award-winning films and successful TV series, capable of transforming iconic locations into unforgettable settings. From The Walls of Malapaga to Blanca, directors and screenwriters have found the perfect atmosphere here to tell intense and fascinating stories.
Today we will guide you through the most evocative places in Genoa, where cinema and television have met reality, giving a unique perspective on the city.
Films Shot in Genoa: A Journey through Film Productions
Genoa has played host to some of the most celebrated films of Italian and international cinema, turning its locations into true cinematic icons. In 1949, René Clément's Le mura di Malapaga brought the alleys and atmospheres of the historic center to the screen, winning an Oscar and consecrating Genoa as a city of authentic and dramatic beauty. In 1974, Dino Risi's Profumo di donna, starring Vittorio Gassman, showed the elegance of Genoa's neighborhoods, adding emotional depth to a journey across Italy.
The nocturnal and melancholy Genoa emerges in Francesco Nuti's Stregati (1986), where the protagonist loses himself among love and mysteries in the city's illuminated streets. Years later, Silvio Soldini's Giorni e nuvole (2007) recounts the difficulties of a Genoese couple, interweaving stories of daily life with the evocative caruggi. Finally, in 2008, British director Michael Winterbottom chose Genoa as the backdrop for his film Genova, exploring the city's charm through the eyes of a father and his daughters in an intimate and touching tale.
TV Series Set in Genoa
In recent years, Genoa has also become a favorite destination for TV productions, turning its sights into ideal sets for stories charged with tension and depth. Masantonio - Sezione Scomparsi (2021), starring Alessandro Preziosi, took viewers between the historic center and the city's suburbs, following the investigations of a detective engaged in solving intricate cases of missing persons.
In 2020, Petra, starring Paola Cortellesi, chose Genoa as the perfect setting for Inspector Petra Delicato's investigations, highlighting the city's mysterious and authentic soul. The series Blanca (2021) offered a novel perspective on Genoa, telling the story of a blind police consultant and showing striking and little-known corners of the city.
Finally, Survivors (2022) brought the drama of a shipwreck to the backdrop of the Old Port and other city locations, making Genoa a central element in the narrative. These TV series not only highlighted the beauty of Genoa, but made it an integral part of the stories, captivating audiences with its unique charm.
Genoa's Iconic Places in Film Shooting
Genoa offers a variety of settings that have captured the attention of filmmakers and screenwriters, making the city a perfect protagonist for film and television.
The Historic Center with its caruggi represents a natural set, capable of adapting to any era and narrative. The narrow alleys, hidden squares and unique atmosphere of Genoa's ancient heart have often been chosen to tell dramatic or romantic stories, as happens in The Walls of Malapaga.
The Old Port, renovated in the 1990s, has become a symbol of modernity and transformation. This place, with its open spaces and sea views, has been used for exciting scenes in productions such as Survivors, thanks to its ability to combine tradition and contemporaneity.
Boccadasse, the seaside village with an intimate and picturesque atmosphere, is one of the most beloved places for filmmakers. Its colorful houses, small beach and timeless charm make it a perfect location for telling romantic or family stories, as in many episodes of Blanca.
Finally, Villa del Principe, with its majestic interiors and gardens overlooking the sea, is an ideal choice for historical and international productions. Its elegance has helped to enhance films and series set in past eras, making it an iconic location in the Genoese film scene.
How to Explore Genoa Through Its Film Sets: Itinerary
To explore Genoa through its film sets, it is not enough to visit the places you already know. It's a journey that leads you to discover how the city, with its history and uniqueness, becomes a character in itself, capable of telling different stories in every corner. Start with a visit to the Old Town, but don't stop at the usual tourist streets. Explore the less traveled alleys, where the light filtering through the buildings creates an atmosphere you might recognize from a film noir or a scene from Masantonio. The real beating heart of the city, the caruggi, are places that never seem to change and that filmmakers have loved for their authenticity.
Then, take a walk along the Old Port not only to enjoy the view of the sea, but to understand how this space has been transformed to tell more modern and dramatic stories. From Survivors to the Petra series, the Old Port has been the perfect set for reflections on loneliness and resilience. But don't forget to look uptown, where the city becomes quieter and offers hidden corners that speak of a different, almost secret Genoa.
Another equally fascinating corner is Boccadasse, whose seaside village has provided scenes of intimacy and reflection in productions such as Blanca. If you walk the path that runs along the sea, you will discover glimpses that seem frozen in time, perfect for a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, instead of focusing on the most photographed places, take the time to observe the small piazzas and colorful houses that tell of a more genuine and unfiltered Genoa.
Finally, spend time at Villa del Principe, but not just for its beautiful gardens or ornate interiors. Think of it as a stage where history mixes with the present. It is not just a place to visit, but a space that transports you to another time. Discover how its magnificent entrance and frescoed halls have been chosen for films about bygone eras, but also how its timeless beauty has inspired modern stories.