Genoa’s funicular connects the area of the historic centre with the Righi hill, and is one of the city’s most characteristic modes of transport.
It is used by locals as well as tourists and hikers because, from the terminus, one can quickly reach the paths within the Parco delle Mura.
Climbing to the top of the Righi also provides a spectacular view of the city and the harbour.
Let’s discover together the stops it makes along the way and all the useful information for planning a trip on Genoa’s Zecca Righi funicular.
Trip on Genoa’s Zecca Righi funicular – The stops
Genoa’s Zecca Righi funicular was inaugurated in 1895 and, over the years, has undergone several modifications and upgrades.
In 1990, today’s system was inaugurated, characterised by an increased capacity and speed of transport (the maximum capacity increased from 400 to 900 persons per hour, with cars with two boxes and 150 seats).
Today, the funicular runs through several of Genoa’s districts, from the historic centre to the Righi heights, passing through the Castelletto district.
Let’s discover the attractions that can be reached from each stop.
Zecca terminus
Zecca is the departure station from the city centre.
You can find the entrance to the stop in a side street of Largo Zecca.
The station takes its name from the Mint of the Republic of Genoa, whose historical seat until 1842 – the year it moved – was Piazza Caricamento.
In 1920, the Zecca building was demolished to construct the Giuseppe Garibaldi road tunnel, thus connecting Largo Zecca to Piazza Portello.
Just a few steps away from the funicular stop is the historic centre of Genoa, where the narrow maze of alleyways is intertwined with the noble palaces of the Rolli.
▶ You might be interested in discovering Genoa’s historic centre.
Carbonara stop
Carbonara is the second stop on Genoa’s Zecca Righi funicular railway used mostly by residents of the Castelletto district.
From the exit of the stop, you can walk a few minutes to Spianata Castelletto, or Belvedere Montaldo, although most use the Art Nouveau-style lift.
Spianata Castelletto is a panoramic terrace with a wonderful view of the city and the port of Genoa. Go to article
San Nicola Stop
The San Nicola stop is the intermediate stop of the funicular railway, also located in the Castelletto district.
This stop is also mainly used by residents, and there are no particular attractions to visit in its surroundings.
Madonnetta stop
The Madonnetta stop, on the other hand, is definitely worth a stop because, located just a few steps away, is the Madonnetta Sanctuary, which houses one of Genoa’s most characteristic nativity scenes.
The crib is permanent, i.e. it can be visited all year round. Go to the article
Preve stop and San Simone stop
These two stops are also strictly for city use.
The palaces give way to small villas and vegetable gardens, and looking towards the sea, you can admire the harbour and the Lantern.
Unless you have plenty of time, the advice is not to get off at these two stops but to go directly to the terminus, where you can plan a variety of activities!
Righi terminus
Righi is the arrival station of the funicular, located on the heights at an altitude of about 300 metres.
Take a moment to climb the two flights of stairs to the stop’s panoramic terrace .
The view sweeps from the Forts, to the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno, to Portofino. Wonderful!
From the funicular stop, a walk of about 1.5 kilometres takes you to the Parco delle Mura Natural Area where there are several paths, including the Anello dei Forti.
Genoa’s Zecca Righi funicular: useful information
Timetable and ticket cost
The Zecca Righi funicular operates every day from 6.40 a.m. to midnight, with rides every 15/20 minutes.
The time between the departure and arrival station is 12 minutes and the difference in height covered is 278 metres, over a distance of 1428 metres.
To ride the funicular, you only need a city transport ticket (2.00€ for 110 minutes or 10.00€ for 24h).
It may be convenient to purchase the Card Musei City Pass, i.e. Genoa’s official tourist pass that includes entrance to some attractions and local public transport.
▶ To see the attractions in detail and buy the ticket – Click here.
For residents of the Metropolitan City of Genoa, on the other hand, free admission on all lifts has been renewed.
Continue reading:
1. Genoa Guide
