Genua

Genua, historically the Latin name for the Italian port city today known as Genoa (Genova in Italian), is the capital of the Liguria region in northwest Italy. It lies on the Ligurian Sea at the head of the Gulf of Genoa and is one of the Mediterranean's major ports and commercial centers. The city developed from an ancient settlement and rose to prominence in the Middle Ages as a maritime republic, alongside Venice, Pisa and Amalfi. Its maritime power supported trade, banking and exploration; Genoa's ships reached the Black Sea and the Atlantic. The explorer Christopher Columbus is commonly identified as Genoese.

Key landmarks in Genoa include the Galata Museo del Mare, the Aquarium of Genoa, the Lanterna lighthouse, and the Renaissance Palazzi dei Rolli on Via Garibaldi. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo anchors the historic center, and the old town remains a labyrinth of narrow alleys. The Palazzi dei Rolli are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s cultural life is sustained by numerous museums and institutions, including the Galata Museo del Mare and several universities.

Economy and transport: The Port of Genoa is among the busiest in the Mediterranean, handling containers, cargo and cruise traffic. The city serves as a rail and road hub and is served by Genoa’s international airport, Cristoforo Colombo. The University of Genoa and a range of museums contribute to its educational and cultural profile, while events such as the Science Festival highlight the city’s contemporary role as a center of research and culture.