Genoa

Genoa, capital city of the region and outstanding Ligurian industrial centre, is home to one of the most important Mediterranean seaports, located on its well over 35 km of coast. The city, part of the Roman territory from the II century, saw of one of its most flourishing periods from 1248 on when it became a Maritime Republic after the victory over Pisa. Later conquered by France, from whom it became independent in 1528, Genoa was annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia during the Restoration period. Its spectacular historical centre, among the largest in Europe due to its extension, was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 2005. Among the monuments and architectural attractions that visitors appreciate the most are the Church of San Ambrogio, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), the St. Lawrence Cathedral, where the homonymous treasure is kept, the St. Matthew Church, the Doria family homes (the most antique and renowned family in Genoa’s history), the Monumental Cemetery at Staglieno, where Giuseppe Mazzini is buried, the Santa Maria Assunta Basilica, the “Lanterna”(an old lighthouse), Boccadasse village, the Fountain at Piazza De Ferrari, the Porta Soprana (the old city gateway), the San Giorgio Palace and the Albertis Castle. Not less important are the places of interest of the new Genoa, like the harbour, the tallest Italian skyscraper (known as the Torre Piacentini, 132 meter high), the Museum of Japanese and Oriental Art “Edoardo Chiossone” and the Museum of World Cultures