The reputation of Genoa rests on its past as a powerful maritime republic and Venice’s competitor for sea power in the Mediterranean. However, these days it is more of a modern port than Venice’s competitor for the tourist business.
Unfortunately the city carries visible scars from 1960s urban planning (above), although many of its glorious palaces are still standing (below).
The Doge’s palace, although originally from mid 14th century, was largely rebuilt in the second half of the 18th after a fire (below).
The emblem of Genoa is a red cross on a white background – St. George’s cross (below). It was one of the earliest adopters of this crusader emblem, although England was not far behind. According to a speech by the current Prince Edward (his speechwriters might have inside information), St. George’s Cross was adopted by the City of London and English soldiers in the 13th century, and the English Crown paid an annual tribute to the Doge of Genoa for the privilege, recognising their primary claim.
A certain Admiral Columbus is one of the more famous sons of Genoa, remembered outside the train station (below).
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