Genoa on a Rainy Day

My series about Italy on a rainy day takes us to Genoa. This city made such a strong impression on me that for weeks, I couldn't gather my thoughts enough to write something worthy of it. Later I selected a few photos from my archives and decided on the following approach for the story: Let it be as it is, even if it’s chaotic and entirely different in scope.

Let's talk a bit about historical places, the grandeur of Genoese Baroque and a few random street scenes that amused me. Our tour began in the oldest part of the city, where remnants of the medieval fortress walls that once surrounded Genoa still stand.

The best-preserved structures are the stone gates of Porta Soprana, or St. Andrew's Gate. Since the 12th century, they served as the main entrance for those coming from the east to Genoa, but by the 14th century they were nearly swallowed by the growing city. What we see today is the result of a restoration done around 1890: an arched passageway flanked by high, crenellated towers, along with a small section of the wall adjacent to it.

These two towers were used as a prison until the 19th century. Near Porta Soprana on Dante Street, is the house where Christopher Columbus may have spent his youth, Casa di Cristoforo Colombo. May have because there are different opinions among historians, but for modern guides and tourists, this building is undoubtedly an important landmark in Genoa.

The original medieval building was destroyed during the 1684 bombardment by the French fleet under King Louis XIV, so the Columbus House is an 18th-century reconstruction. Unlike most houses in Genoa's historic center, it is not a palazzo. Apparently Columbus was born into a rather poor family that lived outside the city walls. Still, the main facade of the house has an inscription that reads: No house deserves more attention than the one where Christopher Columbus spent his early youth within his father's walls.

Not far from Columbu’ house is a fragment of the 12th-century Sant'Andrea Monastery (Chiostro di Sant’Andrea). The former monastery was once adjacent to the city wall and, together with Porta Soprana served as the della Torre prison, where the jailers house was also located. In the 1900s, the monastery was demolished for the construction of Dante Street, leaving behind only a small portico surrounded by a garden, where medicinal and aromatic plants were likely grown.

Directly above the monastery’s portico, you can see the dome of the Palazzo della Borsa. From there it’s easy to make your way to Piazza De Ferrari.

Today Piazza De Ferrari is the main square of Genoa, connecting the historic center with the city's more modern part. Surrounding the square are some of the city's most important buildings, including the Palazzo della Borsa, which stands out with its grandeur and opulence.

In front of the theater is an equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi. Across from it there is the Liguria Palace (Palazzo della Regione Liguria), the seat of the Ligurian Government. This building was previously known as the Italian Maritime Generali Palace.

We left with beautiful memories, but we will always remember this city.

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