CIV CONFESERCENTICIV
Casana
A neighbourhood full of crafts and ancient flavours
In the map of the “Wander, Wonder, Shop” project by Confesercenti, you can search for all the businesses that belong to the 8 CIVs, by name or by product category. You can also explore the individual CIVs and the places of interest in that specific area. There’s a legend below the map to help you figure everything out.
For better visibility, we recommend viewing the map full screen by clicking on the icon in the top right-hand corner.
To search and view the information on the map, click on the icon at the top left.
Select the magnifying glass icon to perform a free search (by name or product category).
GENOA HISTORICAL CENTRE
Vico Casana, which connects Via Luccoli to Piazza De Ferrari, takes its name from the ‘casane’, i.e., pawnshops, established in this area since the 15th century.
Some historians claim that its origin comes from ‘Chasana’, meaning the ‘treasure room of the sultan of Constantinople’. It was once called ‘caroggio del promontorio‘ because it led to the Piccapietra hill, which was later flattened to create Via Roma and Galleria Mazzini. Don’t miss the sculpture above street number 3 depicting the Labours of Hercules. This street is filled with shops and infused with the smell of boiling tripe, a historical shop founded in 1890.
Useful info
How to reach the CIV
On foot: Main access point from Piazza De Ferrari. Secondary access routes are Via XXV Aprile, Salita del Fondaco and Vico Casana
By metro: Piazza De Ferrari metro station
By bus: Piazza De Ferrari bus stop
By train: Reachable from Genova Brignole Station and Genova Piazza Principe Station, connected by metro/bus
By car: pay car park in Piazza Piccapietra. The nearest motorway exit is Genova Ovest for those coming from the West and Genova Est for those coming from the East
Contacts
CIV CASANA
Indirizzo: Via Balbi, n. 38b- 16123 Genova
Things to see
Here is a list of places of interest related to this CIV, which you can explore further on the map above by looking for the icons of reference:
THINGS TO SEE
Piazza and Church of San Matteo:
The church of San Matteo and its square offer a journey through time; one emerges from the corner of a caruggio, and the precious treasure of the Doria family unfolds before you. The colors, materials, and Gothic shapes of the buildings and the Church of San Matteo create an atmosphere where time seems to stand still. It’s not hard to imagine a gentleman in medieval clothing looking out from a loggia above.
Café de Paris:
Located at n. 20r of Vico Casana, you’ll find a hidden gem of Art Nouveau style—a charming bistro meticulously preserved in the vibrant spirit of the Belle Époque era.
Curiosities
Here is a list of places of interest related to this CIV, which you can explore further on the map above by looking for the icons of reference:
CURIOSITIES
The door with the Labors of Hercules:
Located at no. 7 of Via Casana. this door showcases two reliefs against a background of trees and rocks. One depicts Hercules battling Antaeus, while the other illustrates Hercules confronting the Nemean lion.
The tripe shop established in 1890:
An old shop where you can enjoy the famous ‘sbira‘, the hearty tripe broth the port’s workers, aka camalli, used to have for breakfast.
Multi-ethnic shops in Vico Casana:
If you are in Genoa and are looking for the rarest spices, the most extravagant teas, or unexpected soaps—like lettuce soap, for example—or if you want to taste ethnic food from all over the world, don’t miss the vibrant and noisy little alleys of the historical center. You’ll find much more than you could ever expect.
Nose to the sky:
As you wander through the caruggi, be mindful not to bump into anyone, but don’t forget to look up! You’ll discover many of the city’s hidden treasures: rooftops nearly touching, votive shrines, secret inscriptions, and beautiful flowers and plants cascading down from windows and terraces.
Do you want to join the CIV Casana?
Do you have a shop within the perimeter of this CIV? Would you like to join the group and be part of the project? Contact us and we’ll help you find out how!
CONTACT US