Genoa was founded before the Romans. It was very important in ancient times and it was one of the Sea Republics to rule navigation along all known seas around 1100-1300. It is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and part of his living home still remains in the center of the town.
Genoa is the most important town in the Ligurian/Italian Riviera, a well renown holiday resort famous all over Europe. It has 700.000 population and was a very important industrial town.

Now many things are changing towards a better use of the territory with a keen view to the environment and so becoming more interesting for tourists.

Coming in the Ligurian area the town is really worth a visit as many ancient Renaissance buildings, famous museums and very good restaurants are all within an easy reach. The Old Town is the biggest in Europe and one of the best preserved old cities in the world. Great palaces, property of the ancient powerful Genoa families are now museums open to the public. Genoa has been elected Cultural Capital for the year 2004 by the European Parliament Commission.