Il Bigo, also known in English as the Bigo Panoramic Lift, is a famous attraction in the middle of Genoa's Porto Antico (Old Port). Visit this impressive feat of engineering and enjoy an amazing bird’s-eye view of the city and its harbor.
The lift is part of the famous aquarium Acquario di Genova. It’s a stunning multi-armed construction that evokes the shape of an old crane unloading goods from a ship. It was designed by Renzo Piano, a renowned Italian architect and engineer. Piano’s other notable buildings include the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris (with Richard Rogers), The Shard in London and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. Appreciate this clever structure, where one arm of the impressive crane takes you up 131 feet (40 meters) above the sea.
Every 10 minutes, a circular cabin glides you effortlessly upwards. The cabin is equipped with an audio system in Italian, English, French and German. Hear great explanations about the history of the Old Port of Genoa and its historic town center. Learn about the main characteristics of the many interesting structures in the area. Take some memorable photos of the ancient buildings, the maze of caruggi (typical Genoese alleys), the bell towers and the traditional slate roofs of the houses. See the harbor and the frenetic activity of its many ships. Spot the Biosfera, also known as La Bolla di Renzo Piano (the sphere of Renzo Piano). It’s a spectacular bubble-shaped construction made of glass, located in the heart of the Porto Antico and built in 2001.
Find the Bigo Lift at the Acquario di Genova in Ponte degli Spinola. You can reach the aquarium by bus. The Line 1 (Ponente-Val Polcevera) and the Line 13 (Levante-Val Bisagno) can drop you right in front of the aquarium. You can also take the subway and hop off at San Giorgio. Get your ticket for the lift at the aquarium and then find it around the corner, about 220 yards (200 meters) from the aquarium.
