Discover Genoa: 13 Fascinating Fun Facts to Unveil the Secrets of This Italian Gem

1. Chatty Walls and Tower BFFs

If the walls of Genoa could talk, they'd never stop chattering: The city boasts the most walls in all of Italy, from the ancient "Ninth-century walls" to the "New Walls" of the 17th century. Among the gabby gang of fortifications, the iconic Torri di Porta Soprana – a pair of tower BFFs built in the late 12th century – stands guard as the eastern entrance's chatty sentinels and a colossal testament to Genoa's architectural prowess.
Source => tripadvisor.com

2. Columbus: Genoa's Yelp Reviewer

Before the days of GPS and navigation apps, Christopher Columbus was out here Yelp-ing the route to the New World from Genoa's finest sailing schools: Little did most people know, the famous explorer spent most of his childhood and early adulthood in Genoa, not because he was born there, but because he was born in the Republic of Genoa between 25 August and 31 October 1451.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

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3. Roll n' Reef: Sailin' Made Easy

Ahoy, me hearties! If you've ever longed for the seamless convenience of adjusting your sails from the comfort of your captain's chair while sippin' on some grog, look no further: The roller furling genoa sail, when paired with a furling reefing system, allows for smooth sail reefing right from the cockpit, sparing you a perilous journey to the foredeck. No more walking the plank while harnessing the winds, matey!
Source => zeilmakerijdevriesmaritiem.nl

4. Grindin' with Green Gold: Pesto Life

Forget Netflix and chill, it's all about Genoa and grind when it comes to Italy's famous green nectar: pesto is traditionally prepared by grinding ingredients such as basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a mortar and pestle, and may even go full technicolor with sun-dried tomatoes or red peppers, creating a delightful red twist on the classic recipe.
Source => oliviersandco.com

5. Medieval Density with Extra Flavor

Genoa: where "going medieval" got modernized - it's like medieval density with extra flavor!: The Historic Centre of Genoa boasts the highest population density in Europe for a medieval city, covering 113 hectares of maze-like alleys or "caruggi," offering a rich fusion of various cultures, languages, and ancient traditions.
Source => visitgenoa.it

6. Genoa Meets Hollywood Pirates

Ahoy, movie buffs and seafarers alike! Genoa was invaded by... Hollywood, and not a platoon of plundering pirates from the high seas: This picturesque port city is now the proud home of a tres impressive three-masted galleon ship - a replica built for the 1986 film 'Pirates'. Once you sea it for yourself, you'll be awash with awe at Genoa's shipbuilding prowess, and perhaps even inspired to hoist the Jolly Roger and set sail for cinematic adventures.
Source => italiannotes.com

7. Banking on Ancient Deposits

Ready to bank on some ancient financial knowledge? Your account's about to get a generous deposit of history: Genoa is proudly home to the world's oldest known state deposit bank, the Bank of Saint George, established in 1407, and noteworthy for fueling the city's prosperity since good old 15th century times.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Genoa's Own MTV Cribs

When the Genoa house party was the 16th century's version of MTV's "Cribs": Genoa's Palazzi dei Rolli are exceptional palaces built by powerful families, boasting atrium-courtyard-grand staircase-garden layouts, ornate frescoes, and gildings, with 42 of these opulent heritage-listed residences used for hosting visiting royalty and dignitaries.
Source => italytravelandlife.com

9. Treasures of Genoa's Harbor

Ahoy, landlubber! Ready to dive into the hidden treasures of Genoa's bustling harbor? Avast ye then, for we have a trove of aquatic delights and seafaring tidbits that'll shiver your timbers: Genoa's Porto Antico boasts the mesmerizing Galata Museo del Mare and the city's renowned aquarium, along with scrumptious cuisine at waterfront eateries, picturesque strolls amidst historic structures, and the dappled shade of palms swaying gently near bobbing boats. So, don your best sailor cap and prepare to embark on a fascinating journey through this coveted Genoan voyage!
Source => tripadvisor.com

10. Carlo Felice: Theater Reinvented

Talk about a fixer-upper: The Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa, Italy, experienced an extreme home makeover after being hit by a shell in 1941, and later obliterated by bombings in 1943 and 1944, leaving only its exterior walls and corridors intact. After decades of funding hiccups and design disputes, the curtain finally rose on the theater's grand reopening in 1991, showcasing its modern and technologically advanced features.
Source => ilcenacolosf.org

11. Lighthouse of Ages: The Lantern

If you think your flashlight app is the only guiding light in the night, think again: The Lantern of Genoa, standing tall since around 1128, is Europe’s second highest lighthouse and Italy's numero uno beacon for ships and planes alike. It has survived wars and multiple rebuilds, and invites visitors to enjoy a spectacular view from its public terrace, firmly illuminating the fun and fascinating side of history.
Source => visititaly.eu

12. Boccadasse: Charm Over Tourist Trap

You might assume that Boccadasse in Genoa would be overrun with Instagramming tourists, dropping breadcrumbs to find their way back to the gelato stand, and fishermen would be as elusive as a Loch Ness monster: But you'd be wrong! The charming neighborhood is still home to a fishing community and numerous shops, restaurants, bars, and art galleries, with the stunning Türcke Castle, Paradise Gulf, and Portofino Promontory all stealing the scenic show.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

13. OG Moneybags: Bank of Saint George

Ever wondered who the OG moneybags of Genoa were? Hint: It wasn't any bejeweled-snake-taming Medici!: The Bank of Saint George, founded in 1407, was among the oldest chartered banks in the world, and its massive loans to European rulers gained it widespread influence, not to mention a swanky Palazzo San Giorgio HQ, built by the first Genovese Doge's uncle.
Source => en.wikipedia.org