Genoa

Lore & Background

On the Gulf of Genoa in the Ligurian Sea, 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. 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 ('the superb one') by Petrarch due to its glories on the seas and impressive landmarks. The city has hosted massive shipyards and steelworks since the 19th century, and its solid financial sector dates back to the Middle Ages. The Bank of Saint George, founded in 1407, is the oldest known state deposit bank in the world and has played an important role in the city's prosperity since the middle of the 15th century.

In Their Own Story

The sea fog from the Ligurian coast often clings to the stands of the old stadiums, mirroring the weight of history pressing down on the pitch. In the center circle, two distinct eras collide: one side wears the red and blue stripes born from a rebellion against exclusion; the other carries the cross that marks the very first step of Italian football. As the referee's whistle cuts through the humid air, the clash transforms into a dialogue between Italy's pioneer and its cosmopolitan giant, proving that while eras shift, the raw passion of these foundational rivals remains eternal.

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 also 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 ('alleys'). Genoa is also home to the University of Genoa, which has a history going back to the 15th century, when it was known as Genuense Athenaeum. The city's rich cultural history in art, music and cuisine allowed it to become the 2004 European Capital of Culture. It is the birthplace of Guglielmo Embriaco, Christopher Columbus, Andrea Doria, Niccolò Paganini, Giuseppe Mazzini, Pope Benedict XV, Renzo Piano and Grimaldo Canella, founder of the House of Grimaldi, among others. Genoa, which forms the southern corner of the Milan-Turin-Genoa industrial triangle of Northwest Italy, is one of the country's major economic centres. A number of leading Italian companies are based in the city, including Fincantieri, Leonardo, Ansaldo Energia, Ansaldo STS, Erg, Piaggio Aerospace, Mediterranean Shipping Company and Costa Cruises.

Did You Know?

• Genoa's modern name may derive from the Latin word genua, meaning 'knees', because it was deemed to be on the 'knee region' of a 'booted leg'.
• The Bank of Saint George, founded in 1407, is the oldest known state deposit bank in the world.
• Genoa was nicknamed la Superba ('the superb one') by Petrarch due to its glories on the seas and impressive landmarks.
• The city's area has been inhabited since the fifth or fourth millennium BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.