Genoa — Great Maritime Republic, Birthplace of Columbus, and Capital of Pesto

Genoa, capital of Liguria, stretches along the Ligurian Sea coast at the foot of the Apennines. This city with a thousand years of history was one of Italy's four great maritime republics, rivaling Venice for Mediterranean dominance. Today Genoa impresses with its contrasts: magnificent palaces of Strada Nuova stand alongside a labyrinth of medieval alleyways, while Italy's largest port neighbors charming fishing villages.

History — Mistress of the Seas

Genoa's history as a maritime power began in the early ...