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Nervi Parks is a wonderful green oasis by the sea in Genoa's Nervi neighborhood of the same name. An area that combines nature and culture, with tree-lined avenues, seasonal blooms and three museums, including the Gallery of Modern Art. In spring, the park is filled with roses and mimosas, while scenic paths lead up to the promenade that winds along the cliffs. The perfect place for a walk in any season: here's what to see and how to get there.
A botanical garden overlooking the sea: plants and spring blooms
The Nervi Parks are an extensive green area overlooking the sea, renowned for its rich botanical biodiversity. Among tree-lined avenues and manicured lawns are Mediterranean and exotic plants, a mix that makes this green space one of the most striking in Genoa.
The vegetation includes maritime pines, cedars, palms, olive trees and araucarias, with centuries-old specimens creating shady areas ideal for strolling. In spring, the park is transformed as roses, mimosas, azaleas and rhododendrons bloom, providing intense colors and scents. The Luigi Viacava Rose Garden, with more than 400 varieties of roses, is one of the most scenic spots, particularly popular with photographers and botany enthusiasts.
The well-maintained, green interior paths lead all the way to the Anita Garibaldi promenade and the sea cliff, where the vegetation meets the waves of the Ligurian Riviera. The combination of lush plants, panoramic views, and salty air makes Nervi Parks a perfect place for those who love nature and outdoor relaxation.
The Museums: a journey through art and culture
The Nervi Parks are not only a green oasis overlooking the sea, but also an important cultural hub that houses three major museums: the Gallery of Modern Art (GAM), the Raccolte Frugone, and the Wolfsoniana.
Gallery of Modern Art (GAM)
GAM is located in the 17th-century Villa Saluzzo Serra, nestled in the Nervi Parks. The collection includes more than 3,500 works including paintings, sculptures, drawings and engravings, dating from the early 19th century to the present time. The collection was formed from the nucleus donated in 1866 by Prince Odone of Savoy, enriched over time by acquisitions and bequests. The works on display document Ligurian artistic events and relations with Italian and international culture, offering a cross-section of artistic evolution between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Frugone Collections
The Frugone Collections find space in the 18th-century Villa Grimaldi Fassio, also located within the Nervi Parks. The museum displays the collections donated by brothers Lazzaro and Luigi Frugone, comprising paintings, sculptures and drawings by Italian and foreign artists active between the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century. Among the authors represented are such illustrious names as Giovanni Boldini, Giuseppe De Nittis, Giovanni Fattori, Tranquillo Cremona and many others. The works on display reflect the upper middle-class taste and collecting of the time, offering a glimpse into the artistic production of the Belle Époque period.
Wolfsoniana
The Wolfsoniana is a museum dedicated to the decorative and propaganda arts of the period between 1880 and 1945.Located at 4 Serra Gropallo Street in the Nervi district, the collection features furniture, paintings, sculptures, and everyday objects that illustrate the main artistic currents of the first half of the 20th century, from Art Nouveau to Déco, from the 20th century to Rationalism. The museum provides an overview of the artistic production and industrial design of the period, highlighting the evolution of taste and style in the historical and social context of the time.
Opening hours and useful information
Nervi Parks are open to the public year-round with free admission. Opening hours vary by season.
January: 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m
February - March: 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m
April - August: 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m
September: 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m
October: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m
November - December: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
Within the parks are several museums, each with specific opening hours:
Gallery of Modern Art (GAM): located in Villa Saluzzo Serra, is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Frugone Collections: housed in Villa Grimaldi Fassio, can be visited Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Wolfsoniana: dedicated to decorative and propaganda arts from the period 1880-1945, it is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
We recommend checking for schedule changes or special closures by contacting the facilities directly or checking the official websites before visiting.
How to get to the Nervi Parks: train, bus and car
To get to the Nervi Parks from Hotel Astoria you have several options, all of them quite convenient.
If you want to get there quickly, the train is the best choice. Genova Brignole Station is a short walk from the hotel, and from there you can take a regional train in the direction of La Spezia or Sestri Levante. In about 15 minutes you will arrive at Genoa Nervi Station, from which the parks are a five-minute walk away.
If you prefer to travel by bus, you can take Line 15 or 17 from the stop in Piazza Verdi, near the station. The ride takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic, and will take you directly to the vicinity of the Nervi Parks.
On the other hand, if you are traveling by car, you can follow the SS1 Aurelia in the direction of Levante. The route is scenic and in about 20 minutes you will arrive in Nervi. Parking in the area can be tricky on weekends or during busy periods, so it's best to leave a little early or look for parking areas on nearby streets.
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