Genoa (Italian: Genova; Ligurian: Zêna) is the capital of the Italian region of Liguria. Named “la Superba” (“the proud one”) by the poet Francesco Petrarca, Genoa has historically represented one of the most important harbors of the Mediterranean and the capital of the most powerful maritime republics for over seven centuries. Genoa is today a major center for finance and commerce and hosts several leading companies in the sector of shipbuilding, cruise lines, marine equipment and energy.
The city is rich in cultural history in art, music and cuisine. It was the birthplace of Cristoforo Colombo, Niccolò Paganini, Giuseppe Mazzini, and Renzo Piano. Genoa is a city recognized as a UNESCO heritage site for its famous Palazzi dei Rolli and it is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. Its historical centre is noted for its many examples of medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic architecture. Its palaces and museums host fantastic works by Rubens, Caravaggio, Antonello da Messina, and Van Dyck. The heart of the old city is made up of tiny streets and alleys called Caruggi or Vicoli. The city is generally safe, but caution is to be applied, especially at night and in the more quiet zones toward Piazza Principe and the old harbor.
The city of Genoa covers an area of 243 square kilometers between the Ligurian Sea and the Apennine Mountains, with beautiful landscapes, roads and trekking routes from the sea to the mountains.
