Genoa

Genoa: history & character

Genoa — capital of Liguria and the most powerful Mediterranean port in the medieval west — shaped much of Europe's commercial history: its Casa di San Giorgio, founded in 1407, is considered the first modern bank, and its fleet rivalled Venice for control of the sea. Christopher Columbus was born here in 1451, in a fierce city-state whose independent Republic lasted until 1797. The modern city stretches 30 km along the Ligurian coast, tightly squeezed between the sea and the Maritime Alps — hence its caruggi (Europe's narrowest medieval alleys), its vertiginous UNESCO old town listed in 2006 (the Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli), and its unique network of funiculars and public elevators. The Porto Antico, redesigned by Renzo Piano for Columbus's 500th anniversary in 1992, transformed an industrial harbour front into one of the great public spaces of the Mediterranean. For dog owners, Genoa is surprisingly well-equipped: the first official dog beach in Liguria sits at Vesima, three 24/7 vet clinics serve the city, the medieval caruggi stay 8°C cooler than the seafront in summer — and the AMT network of funiculars and lifts spares dogs the steep climbs of the centre.