Carignano: Genoa's Hidden Gem of Elegance and History

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusi/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-zee/mee dee-spyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vattene!
  [vaht-teh-neh]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un medico!
  [kee-ah-mah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-reh-ee kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh trohp-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dyeh-chee eh meht-sah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [ohd-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oht-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee soo-lah mahp-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh eel prohs-see-moh ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh pehr]

The Carignano neighborhood has its roots in the Roman era, originally part of the ancient city of Genoa. The area was primarily agricultural, with vineyards and orchards flourishing in the fertile grounds. As Genoa grew in importance as a maritime republic, Carignano began to develop into a more urbanized area.

During the Middle Ages, Carignano became a favored residential area for the Genoese nobility. The construction of grand palaces, such as the Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco, marked the neighborhood as a center of wealth and cultural influence. These palaces were adorned with exquisite art and architecture, reflecting the prosperity of the Genoese elite.

In the 16th century, Carignano experienced a significant architectural transformation. The construction of the Church of San Giovanni Battista, known for its Baroque style, exemplified the artistic movement of the time. The neighborhood became a cultural hub, with artists and architects contributing to its development, further enhancing Genoa's reputation as a center of art and culture.

With the unification of Italy in the 19th century, Carignano saw an increase in urbanization and modernization. Infrastructure improvements and the expansion of public transport connected the neighborhood more closely to the heart of Genoa. This period also saw a rise in working-class populations, leading to a more diverse social fabric.

The 20th century brought further changes to Carignano, particularly during and after World War II. The neighborhood was affected by bombings and subsequent reconstruction, leading to a mix of historical and modern architecture. The post-war period also saw a cultural revival, with the establishment of theaters and cultural institutions that continue to enrich the neighborhood's vibrant community life.

Carignano is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Genoa. If you're coming from the city center, you can take the Metro Line 1 to 'De Ferrari' and transfer to bus line 34 or 35, which will take you directly to Carignano. Alternatively, a leisurely walk from the city center takes around 20-30 minutes and allows you to enjoy the beautiful architecture along the way.

Carignano is a compact neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. However, public transportation options include several bus lines that connect to other parts of the city. Bicycles can be rented through local services, and the city has designated bike lanes, making it a pleasant way to navigate the area.

Carignano is generally safe for tourists, though standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit areas. While there are no specific high-crime zones targeting tourists, be cautious around the waterfront areas and busy transport hubs where pickpocketing can occur.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, medical, and fire services. Local hospitals are available, and it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also present in the area for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking; don't wear overly casual or beach attire when visiting churches or upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs; don't take photos in places of worship unless permitted. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding; don't block the aisles during busy times. Greetings: Do use a friendly 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera'; don't interrupt conversations when greeting someone. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Focaccia; don't eat while walking in the streets as it is considered impolite.

To experience Carignano like a local, visit the weekly market at Piazza Carignano, where fresh produce and local delicacies are sold. Engage with local artisans and shopkeepers who are often eager to share their stories. Don't miss the chance to enjoy an aperitivo at one of the neighborhood's charming bars, and always try to speak a few words of Italian; locals appreciate the effort.