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Join Creattivando’s Pasta & Pesto workshop in Genova for a hands-on culinary lesson inside a stunning Renaissance palace. Craft fresh pasta, make traditional Genovese pesto, and enjoy local wine in this unique Ligurian experience.
Join Creattivando’s Pasta & Pesto workshop in Genova for a hands-on culinary lesson inside a stunning Renaissance palace. Craft fresh pasta, make traditional Genovese pesto, and enjoy local wine in this unique Ligurian experience.
Book with Creattivando Laboratorio Esperienzale Art & Food
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Operated by Creattivando Laboratorio Esperienzale Art & Food · Genova, Liguria
Set in the heart of Genova, Italy, Creattivando Laboratorio Esperienzale Art & Food invites food lovers and culture seekers alike to dive into an immersive culinary experience that extends beyond the plate. This two-hour Pasta & Pesto workshop uniquely combines hands-on cooking with a taste of Ligurian heritage, set inside the historic elegance of Palazzo dei Rolli.
Participants begin by crafting fresh pasta from flour and eggs, guided through traditional methods that connect generations of Ligurian cooks. The process is tactile and engaging — kneading dough, rolling it thin, and shaping it by hand ensures an intimate appreciation for pasta’s artisanal roots. Next comes the signature Genovese pesto made entirely by mortar and pestle using the region’s famous basil from the nearby district of Prà, preserving the herb’s vibrant flavor that modern blenders tend to mute.
The workshop’s location amplifies the experience. Palazzo dei Rolli, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its noble Renaissance architecture and rich history as a palatial residence for Genoese aristocracy, envelops guests in centuries of culture while they cook. The bright frescoes and vaulted ceilings make the cooking space feel more like a salon than a kitchen.
To complete the journey, participants savor their handmade pasta dressed in freshly crushed pesto, paired delicately with a glass of Ligurian wine, followed by a local sweet treat. This encounter punctuates the meal with flavors rooted in place and tradition. Creattivando offers not just a cooking lesson but a story of Liguria’s culinary identity, making it a standout cultural and outdoor-adjacent experience in the region.
Travelers visiting Genova will find this workshop an enriching complement to exploring Liguria’s famed coastline and terraces, providing an authentic, immersive way to connect with local food culture and history.
easy.
2 hours.
Minimal physical fitness required; mostly standing and light manual work.
No—this workshop is designed for all skill levels and focuses on hands-on instruction.
Please notify Creattivando in advance to discuss any dietary needs or allergies.
The workshop is primarily conducted in Italian; limited English may be available upon request.
Yes, children are welcome and can join in under adult supervision.
The historic Palazzo dei Rolli may have some accessibility challenges—contact Creattivando to confirm accommodations.
The price covers the cooking lesson, all ingredients, a glass of Ligurian wine, water, a dessert, a small gift, and entry to Palazzo dei Rolli.
Palazzo dei Rolli was part of a unique system of aristocratic residences used for hosting state visitors during the Republic of Genoa, dating back to the 16th century.
Creattivando sources ingredients locally, supporting sustainable farming practices in Liguria and minimizing environmental impact within the historic precinct.
Creattivando Laboratorio Esperienzale Art & Food is a Genova-based culinary studio in Liguria that offers immersive, hands-on food experiences focused on traditional Ligurian cuisine. The studio's program covers authentic pesto-making with Genovese basil, fresh pasta classes, focaccia samplings, pansoti with walnut sauce, trofiette with pesto, Ligurian fish preparations, and vegetable-based finger food workshops. Several packages include a welcome cocktail called “Genova si racconta,” guided tastings of local white wines, and optional wine-pairing sessions that highlight regional varietals. Select experiences provide a visit to the prestigious Palazzo dei Rolli and on-site photography to document the cooking process and finished dishes. One workshop is noted as ideal for groups of four or more. Instruction is practical and detail-oriented, emphasizing traditional techniques such as mortar pesto preparation, hand-rolled pasta shaping, and classic Ligurian baking methods. The studio sources fresh regional ingredients when possible, including basil from Prà for pesto sessions. Creattivando designs clear, structured itineraries for each offering that list included beverages, tasting items, and memorable takeaways. The studio caters to food-focused travelers, small groups, and visitors seeking an authentic introduction to Genoa’s culinary heritage. All descriptions and offerings are presented in third-person factual terms and reflect the studio’s published experience summaries and package inclusions.
Book with Creattivando Laboratorio Esperienzale Art & Food