Genoa

Genoa, now best known for being the birthplace of the (infamous) Christopher Columbus, was one of the great Maritime Republics, and the wealth of its past is still present throughout the city.

Random buildings, like this bank, have dramatic painted ceilings.

Even the Airbnb we stayed in was a historic building with a "Demon Fountain."

The Church of Saint Peter in Banchi was built in the 16th century.

The Port Authority Building, behind the street art, used to be the Doge's Palace, and later a jail.

Genoa is home to an impressive aquarium.

 

Ballin'

Genoa's lighthouse was originally built in the 12th century, and is now the 5th tallest in the world.

Cavour 21 is the best deal in town.

Genoese writing on the Porta Soprana.

The Porta Soprana, one of the gates into Genoa.

St. Andrew cloister ruins

Columbus's house

Some of the grander buildings in Genoa.

Mermaid Man's door knocker

Another building used as the Doge's Palace

Strada Nuova is lined with the palaces of the Genoese aristocracy.

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is Genoa's most impressive church.

A family with interesting fashion choices...

Columbus's ashes are in a random urn in the Maritime Museum.

Genoa heavily employed galley slaves, unlike Venice.

Your navy is only as good as its cannon.

A good infographic in populist times.

Locanda degli Adorno is another excellent restaurant.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

A grotto fountain hidden in a Genoese palace.

Genoa is still one of the three largest ports in the Mediterranean.

This is the only Lion of St. Mark, the symbol of Genoa's sworn enemy, I could find in Genoa.