Stand in awe of giant tree ferns, meet iguanas and turtles and inspect plants that produce cotton and chewing gum in this see-through ball.
The Biosfera is an iconic glass ball containing exotic botanical specimens and fauna in the Old Port of Genoa. Dating back to 2001, the steel structure contains a slice of tropical rainforest that appears to float on the waters of the Ligurian Sea. Enter the hot and humid ecosystem of this giant ball and be transported to a distant world of plants and animals.
Snap photos of this glass sphere, which provides contrast as a modern attraction among the quaint and colorful façades of the buildings adorning the Old Port of Genoa. The diameter of the giant ball is 66 feet (20 meters).
Bring your children to see some of the 150 species of animals that reside inside the ball. These include butterflies, fish and insects. Look down at the intriguing turtles and iguanas and gaze up at the colorful birds that decorate the tops of tall tree ferns. These are said to be the world’s tallest cultivated tree ferns.
Find out about endangered species and the fragility of rainforest environments. Stroll along the plant-lined paths and feel as though you’re in the rainforest. See plants that provide us with coffee, cinnamon, cotton, chewing gum, pepper and cocoa, among many others.
Learn about the fascinating temperature control system, which makes use of seawater to heat via radiators in winter. An intricate computer network regulates the ambient temperature.
There is a fee to enter the structure. Discounts are available for children. Gain access as part of your trip to the Genoa Aquarium. The ball opens to the public daily from morning until evening, with earlier closing times in winter.
The Biosfera is in the Old Port of Genoa in the city center. Take the metro to the San Giorgio stop and walk northwest for less than 5 minutes to reach it. Make sure to see nearby attractions, including the replica 17th-century Galeone Neptune ship, the National Antarctic Museum and La Città dei Bambini e dei Ragazzi children’s museum.
