Genova

Genova is located in north-west Italy in the region of Liguria. It is an important seaport in Italy and well known capital of culture with its numerous museums, palaces, galleries, villas and historical places of interest.

History of Genova dates back to the 6th and 5th centuries BC and even former ancient period. Perhaps it was founded by Etruscan civilization. Than it was occupied by Greeks and than Romans.

Buildings and construction in a Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance styles are reminiscent of Middle Ages and Renaissance period. Part of old city of Genoa is under protection of UNESCO. Among the main important streets is Via Garibaldi Street with historical buildings in Romanesque-Renaissance style.

The significant churches of Genova are the St. Lawrence Cathedral, the Church of San Donato, the Church of Santo Stefano and San Torpete. Thay are built in the Romanesque style and the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato is built in elaborate Baroque style.

A very beautiful and one of the most important historical buildings is the Palace of the Doges witch was founded in 1251. Formerly it was a residence of the Doges and now it is a museum of arts and other exhibitions. The second entrance of the Palace of the Doges leads to Piazza De Ferrari central square of Genoa. Next to the square are the opera house Teatro Carlo Felice and the house where Christopher Columbus was born.

The main lighthouse called the Torre della Lanterna or a la Lanterna is the symbol of Genova. This stone construction of 76 meter tall is the one of the oldest functioning buildings of its kind in the world.

The City of Genova attracts over 1.2 million tourists a year that come to see its magnificence, majestic and grandeur.