Guide to Genoa

Genoa in Liguria and near to the border with France is really worth a visit as it has many ancient Renaissance buildings, interesting museums and very good restaurants are all within an easy reach. The Old Town is one of the best preserved old cities in the Europe with a maze streets and intricate labyrinth of alleyways. These streets are packed with local shops and stores. It has many great palaces, from wealthy ancient Genoa families. Great baroque facades and huge Romanesque churches tower over small piazzas.

The main sites of Genoa include Piazza de Ferrari, near which are the Opera House and the Palace of the Doges. This is also the place where Christopher Columbus was born., visitors can catch sight of the city's noble past in its 16th century palazzos, baroque edifices, and Romanesque churches, looming over the little piazzas.

Genoa was an ancient sea port and in ancient times a major rival for Venice. It was a commercial centre and trading city.