Genoa

Lore & Background

Genoa was the capital of one of the most powerful maritime republics for over seven centuries, from the 11th century to 1797. Particularly from the 12th century to the 15th century, the city played a leading role in the history of commerce and trade in Europe, becoming one of the largest naval powers of the continent and considered among the wealthiest cities in the world. It was also nicknamed la Superba by Petrarch. The Bank of Saint George, founded in 1407, is the oldest known state deposit bank in the world.

Reader's Guide

The historical centre, or old town, of Genoa is one of the largest and most-densely populated in Europe. Part of it was inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO) in 2006 as Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli. Genoa's historical city centre is also known for its narrow lanes and streets called caruggi. Genoa is also home to the University of Genoa, which has a history going back to the 15th century.

Did You Know?

• Genoa has historically been one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean: it is the busiest port in Italy and the Mediterranean Sea and twelfth-busiest in the European Union.
• The city's modern name may derive from the Latin word for 'knees' or from the theonym of Janus.
• Genoa is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Andrea Doria, Niccolò Paganini, Giuseppe Mazzini, Pope Benedict XV, and Renzo Piano, among others.
• The Genoese navy equipped its sailors with jeans, as they needed a fabric which could be worn wet or dry.