Genova (Italian for Genoa) is the capital of the Genoa province and Liguria in northwest Italy, a city rich with history and importance. Genova is known for being the chief seaport of Italy, and for competing with Marseilles, France to be the leader among Mediterranean ports. The harbor facilities in Genova were terribly damaged during World War II and also by storms that occurred in 1954 and 1955, but have since been re-established and improved for modern usage. 

 

A Brief History of Genova

Genova, a town of Ligures, experienced tremendous success while under Roman rule. The town became a free commune around the 10th century and was governed by consuls. During the 11th century, Genova (with assistance from Pisa) drove the Arabs out of Corsica and into Sardinia. Sardinia became the focus of a rivalry that resulted in an eventual war with Pisa. Genova won the decisive naval battle of Meloria in 1284.

During the Crusades, Genova's wealth and strength continued to grow mightily. From Spain to the Crimea, Genova was able to expand, acquire more possessions and trading privileges. In 1408, a group of merchants who were providing a huge portion of Genova's military defense and expansion funds, formed the powerful Banco San Giorgio. Over time Genova's policies collided with Venice's plans concerning the Mediterranean, resulting in wars between the two cities. The wars ended in 1381 with the Peace of Turin. In 1339, an election was held for the first doge, who remained chief magistrate for life.

From the 14th through the 18th centuries, rule of Genova changed hands several times between the French, Spanish and Austrians. In 1797, the Ligurian Republic was formed and was formally annexed to France by Napoleon I in 1805. In 1814, Genova and Liguria were united with Sardinia by the Congress of Vienna.

Places to See in Genova

Genova is a city of art and full of rich history due to its role as the capital of a powerful Maritime Republic. Discovering the city's hidden gems and special places will likely surprise you. If you visit Genova be sure not to miss:

 

Via Garibaldi, also called "New Streets" and the Rolli Palaces: The beautiful Renaissance and Baroque palaces of this street are a United Nations World Heritage Site. These 42 buildings were owned by Noble families in the 16th and 17th centuries and were used as accomodations by Kings, Princes and Ambassadors on state visits. Today they are offices, banks and auction houses. Palazzo Tursi hosts the Genova Municipality and Palazzo Bianco and Rosso houses the civic picture galleries, which are full of Italian and Flemish masterpieces.

The Aquarium of Genova: It is one of the most visited attractions in Italy. Here, you can discover the marine universe (sharks, sea lions, dolphins, penguins, and fishes of all shapes and colours). At the Aquarium, kids can live an extraordinary experience and they can even sleep with sharks! They can sleep right in front of the shark tank and then see the transformation of the Aquarium that occurs at dawn. The activity is for kids aged between 7 and 13 and takes place once a month.

Boccadasse, a little fishing village in Genova: This place is unique, a corner out of the time. Tourists, but also the Genovese people are attracted by the multicolored houses, the pretty bay with its fishing boats and the local restaurants. Boccadasse is a romantic village, in fact, it is favoured by sweethearts as a place to exchange their promises of eternal love.

Genova - San Lorenzo Cathedral - Photo courtesy of Anna Merulla

San Lorenzo Cathedral: The Romanesque - Gothic Cathedral can be reached from the elegant Via San Lorenzo (this street links Genoa's Old Port with the center of the city). Inside the majestic Cathedral is the Treasure Museum. The museum houses the famous Sacro Catino, the religious object that is claimed to be the Holy Grail.

Palazzo Ducale: This is the historic location of the Genova Republic' s Government and today is the center of all Genova' s cultural activities. In the 17th century halls of the Palace held organized congresses, conferences and concerts. It can be reached by Via San Lorenzo. One part of the facade faces Piazza de Ferrari and the neoclassic part of the building dominates Piazza Matteotti.

Christopher Columbus' childhood home: In Piazza Dante, near Porta Soprana, there is the building that once housed the man that discovered America. Inside the house you can find translated documents of Columbus' life and customs. The link to the house's website is www.associazione-portasoprana.it.

Another popular attraction is the lighthouse called "Lanterna", which dates back to the 16th century. This lighthouse is an important landmark in Genova. There's a promenade (about 800 metres long and opened until sunset) that takes you to the Lanterna and its Museum. This walk was built along the 16th century walls that skirt the sea and the link to the website is: www.liguri.org/lanterna/lighthouse.asp.

 

What to Eat While in Genova

For a light lunch you can stop in to some local restaurants and taste the famous trofie (pasta) al pesto or Pansotti (pasta) with salsa di noci (a sauce made of nuts). In the many Focaccerie (like bakeries) you can eat a piece of farinata or focaccia. They are genuine local cuisine, delicious and provide you with a complete meal. Another local speciality is friscieu, which are fried batter balls filled with herbs and whitebait while they are in season.

Shopping in Genova

In Genova, there are many places that you can head to for some great shopping. The Old Center houses beautiful little shops where you can buy goods of all kinds. The more exclusive boutiques of Genova are situated on the elegant Via Roma. On Via XX Settembre, the street covered by porticoes, you can find different kind of shops and the Mercato Orientale, a market full of local products.

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