Grande Bigo of Genoa, Observation tower in Old Port, Italy
The Grande Bigo of Genoa is an observation tower in the Old Port featuring a glass elevator suspended by metal arms. The cabin rises to a platform where visitors can see the harbor, surrounding city, and the Ligurian Sea beyond the port.
Architect Renzo Piano designed this structure for the 1992 International Exhibition as part of a broader project to remake the old port into a modern public space. The renovation brought new vitality to Genoa's waterfront and transformed how people used the historic harbor area.
The name refers to traditional harbor cranes that once worked at this port, linking the modern structure to Genoa's seafaring past. Visitors can still sense this maritime connection when observing the vessel traffic below from above.
Access is straightforward from the Old Port, in an area that is easy to walk around. Visit in the morning or early afternoon for fewer crowds and the best natural light to see the port and sea below.
Engineer Peter Rice, known for his work on the Sydney Opera House, calculated the engineering specifications for this rotating observation platform. His expertise brought sophisticated engineering to what appears as a simple structure from the outside.
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