History of the Marina Porto Antico in Genoa

A tribute to the companies and people who have made Barche a Motore great over these 35 years allowing it to be born, grow, and become great up to this historic anniversary. In these articles the great excellences of boating tell their stories and reveal their projects, making an important contribution to the knowledge of this world, which allows us all to go to sea, in all forms and contexts.

History of Genoa’s Marina Porto Antico, or: when the port changes the face of the city

In the heart of Genoa there is a privileged gateway to the city. It is the Marina Porto Antico, one of the most virtuous examples of urban and at the same time port redevelopment in Italy, capable of giving back to citizenship an area long abandoned and disused. An impressive project that has changed the face of one of the most lived-in areas of the city today. The big leap, however, came with the Genoa City Council ‘s decision to nominate the city to host the1992 Expo: thus was born the project to redevelop the Porto Antico area, an intervention that would change the face of the city forever. It was during the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America (by Christopher Columbus in 1492) that Genoa was chosen to host “Le Colombiadi,” the International Exposition dedicated to the first voyage of Christopher Columbus, with Renzo Piano chosen to sign the restyling of the area, a project that included the construction of buildings such as the Biosphere, the Bigo, and the Aquarium. Instead, it will be architect Piero Gambacciani who will design the marina, now Marina Porto Antico.

A look to the future that respects the past

The location, protected by the breakwater, guarantees safety and tranquility even in the winter months, making the port an ideal year-round berth, thanks in part to the presence of dedicated parking spaces, both reserved and public, and the proximity to the main city services as well as to the railway and subway stations and the airport. Since its inception, Marina Porto Antico has been distinguished by state-of-the-art technical solutions but also by the preservation of its historical roots. The intervention has respected the classic architectural lines of Genoa‘s industrial and commercial past. All piers are built on reinforced concrete pilings, a choice that guarantees solidity, stability and allows the free passage of water, avoiding stagnation phenomena. The infrastructure has been designed to evolve over time: large cable ducts now house modern facilities, and have allowed it to adapt to the present by being able to accommodate cables for high-speed internet connection, video surveillance systems and smart columns for metering consumption, as well as the possibility of charging for electric vehicles.

Mooring at the Marina Porto Antico in Genoa today

The story of Marina Porto Antico is that of a rebirth: from a forgotten area to a symbol of integration between sea and city, from a disused industrial port to a modern and welcoming marina, capable of constantly evolving without ever losing the link with its roots. Today, thanks to the vision and passion of those who manage it, Marina Porto Antico is an example of how boating can be an engine of urban and cultural regeneration in the name of innovation, offering boaters and citizens a place where history, technology and quality of life meet every day. Choosing this marina means having everything you need: bars, restaurants, laundry, supermarket, artisans, stores and repair services, as well as a variety of businesses that enliven the harbor area. The presence of a private parking lot makes it easy to reach one’s berth by car, while the proximity to the train station, airport, and main roads makes the Marina easily accessible from anywhere in Italy and Europe. Numerous clients have chosen to keep their boat here, transforming it into a true second home from which to experience Genoa and its surroundings throughout the year, even without necessarily taking to the sea. In addition to moorings equipped for boats from 10 to 75 meters in length and up to 8 meters in draft, each berth is equipped with fresh water and electricity, ensuring convenience and autonomy for all types of boats. The Marina Porto Antico is also highly protected thanks to the breakwater of the Port of Genoa, ensuring safe berthing in all seasons.

Marina Porto Antico Genoa