Geographical position and the mild climate of Liguria began to attract people in ancient times. The coast of Liguria was ideal for settling and arranging convenient maritime camps. This is how it started history of Genoa.

First settlements in Genoa

For the first time, the Greeks mention the Ligurians in their treatises of the 7th century BC, which reported on the ancient tribes that controlled the territory reaching the coast of modern Spain.

Around the same time, the Greeks and Etruscans arrived in Liguria, who actively competed with each other for the right to hegemony over the region. The Greeks by that time had also settled in the Marseille region and were looking for places to settle in the coastal valleys of Liguria.

The main cities of the region, including and, were founded during this period.

In 218 BC. came to Liguria Romans, which for the region meant much more significant changes than the presence of Greeks and Etruscans in Liguria. For Rome, Liguria became an important transit area for subsequent expansion into Gaul and Spain.

The aim of the Romans was to build harbors for military and merchant ships, as well as their famous roads, but they managed to keep Liguria in obedience with great difficulty. Only Genoa was one of the few cities that the Romans managed to take without the use of military force. In the 2nd century BC. Genoa was incorporated into the Roman Empire.

During Second Punic War Liguria supported the enemies of Rome - the Barca brothers. In 205 BC. The Carthaginians besieged and destroyed Genoa. However, the war eventually ended in favor of Rome, and the Romans returned to Liguria.

In 148, several important roads were built in Liguria - in particular Via Postumia, which connected Genoa with Milan, as well as Via Julia Augusta, which was laid along the Ligurian coast.

The Romans continued to colonize the territory they had captured and built a number of cities along the coast: Luni, Albenga, Portofino.

At the beginning of the 5th century, the Visigoths invaded Liguria from North Africa, then the region was invaded by the Heruli and Goths. In 536, troops invaded Italy Byzantine emperor Justinian the First, who defeated the Goths and a relatively peaceful period began in Italy. The new rulers began to call Liguria - Maritime Province.

In 641, the period of Byzantine rule came to an end when the Lombard tribes, led by King Rotary, invaded Italy. The Lombards were forced out by the Franks, and the cities of Liguria became part of their territory.

Beginning in 901, Liguria was often raided Saracen, which often used the territory of southern France as their bases.

Golden Age of Genoa

Around the year 1000 came the golden age of free communities. Their main area of ​​activity was maritime trade and equipment for commercial or military fleets. Genoa began to develop especially rapidly in this era. At the beginning of the 12th century, the inhabitants of Genoa erected a new fortress wall around the city to protect against raids by the troops of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. When the emperor recognized the independence of Genoa, the city began to actively fight against other Italian city Pisa for control of Corsica and Sardinia. Genoa also took an active part in the first crusades.

With the growth of its influence on the sea, Genoa also sought to extend its commercial and military presence on land as widely as possible. The Genoese took control of the cities, villages and mountain passes that connected the coast with the Po Valley. By 1232, after a century of skirmishes, battles and alliances, practically the entire coast of the modern Italian Riviera was in the hands of Genoa.

Among the cities that resisted the expansion of Genoa with particular vehemence were Ventimiglia and Savona, which capitulated only in the middle of the 16th century.

Genoa on the map

City in northern Italy, adm. c. region Liguria. Mentioned at the turn of N. e. Rome. by authors like Genua. The name, apparently, from the Ligures. gen mouth (lit., jaw, mouth), also allowed from Celt, gena mouth. Modern ital. form Genova, Russian traditional… … Geographic Encyclopedia

Genoa- Genoa. Seafront. GENOA, a city in Italy, on the Gulf of Genoa. 701 thousand inhabitants. One of the largest ports mediterranean sea(cargo turnover over 40 million tons per year); international Airport. Metallurgy and mechanical engineering, ... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

City in Northern Italy. The main city in the province of Genoa, in the region of Liguria. In ancient times, the settlement of the Ligures. In the 3rd century BC. conquered by the Romans. It was an important trading port of the Roman state. Under the Lombards (from 641) Genoa was the center of the duchy, and ... Historical dictionary

- (Italian Genova, French Genes, in antiquity Genua, in the Middle Ages Janua and in it Jenau) the fortified main city of the former republic of the same name, and now a province in Italy, is located like an amphitheater on the steep slope of the Ligurian Apennines, near ... ... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

- (Genova), a city in northern Italy, on the shores of the Gulf of Genoa of the Ligurian Sea; main city historical area Liguria. In ancient times, a Ligurian settlement, one of the most important trading ports of the Roman state (from the 3rd century BC). From XII... Art Encyclopedia

Exist., number of synonyms: 4 asteroid (579) city (2765) sail (54) ... Synonym dictionary

Genoa- (Genoa), an important port in the north. app. coast of Italy. Port and fortress built in the 5th c. BC, were captured by the Romans in the 3rd century. BC. After the fall of the Roman Empire, G. in 634 fell under the rule of the Lombards (Lombardy), then it repeatedly ... ... The World History

Genoa- (Italian Genova), ch. mountains Genoese province, modern. Primor. crst, important port., commercial. and industrial mountains to the north ber. G skago bay, at the confluence of the river. Bysanio, at the foot of the Ligurian Apennines; OK. 250 tons of inhabitants, parking place 44, 83 and 84th pѣh ... Military Encyclopedia

GENOA- [ital. Genova], city in Italy, the capital of the region. Liguria, the center of the archdiocese of the same name. In present At present, there are more than 270 parishes in the archdiocese of G.. Of the 834 thousand population, approx. 776 thousand Catholics (An. Pont., 2005. P. 259). The city is a large trading port and ... ... Orthodox Encyclopedia

- (Geneva) a city in Northern Italy, on the shores of the Gulf of Genoa of the Ligurian Sea. The main city of the province of Genoa and the region. Liguria. 842.8 thousand inhabitants (1969). Pressed by the mountains (Ligurian Apennines) to the sea, the city stretched for more than 30 ... ... Big soviet encyclopedia

Books

• Genoa - Monaco - Avignon. Book 7. Travel Notes: By Car from Geneva, by Nina Leflat. Port and ancient Genoa, Monaco with its modern infrastructure, medieval papal Avignon - interesting information these places are described in this book. And also - historical reports; ... electronic book
• Genoa moping, Claudio Pozzani. The unique project of the "Russian Gulliver" in the series "G EOGRAPHY TRANSLATION D A" is an Italian-Russian-Armenian trilingual of a poet and cultural trader from Genoa. Lyrics equipped with complex…

The Republic of Genoa is famous not only for its trade relations. It is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. What is known about this city-state?

Base

By the eleventh century, a self-governing commune emerged on the lands. Over time, it will become the Republic of Genoa. Already at the beginning of its existence, the commune was an important trading center. It was a serious competitor to Venice.

During the Crusades, Genoa began to expand its territories. To "save the Holy Sepulcher" she provided her ships. Thanks to this, Genoa was able to develop active trade in the Middle East.

Achievements of the Republic of Genoa in the Middle Ages:

• thanks to an alliance with the Nicaean Empire, she was able to freely trade on the lands of the Byzantine Empire;
• captured islands in the Aegean Sea, for example, the island of Chios;
• control of many Crimean settlements;
• expansion of trade interests in the areas of the Black and Azov Seas;
• victory over Pisa in 1284 and the acquisition of Corsica;
• introduction to the Sicilian economy through an alliance with Aragon.

The republic's rise was short-lived.

sunset period

In the fourteenth century, the Republic of Genoa was at war with Venice. After the defeat at Kyojo, she began a period of decline.

Dominance in the Aegean has been weakened Ottoman Empire which was gaining strength. Genoa was able to trade only in the Black Sea.

In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries the republic fell into decay. The reason for this was the prolonged occupation by France. In 1522 Genoa was captured and sacked by the Spaniards.

Hopes for the revival of the Republic of Genoa were associated with Admiral Andrea Doria. To gain independence, he went to an alliance with Charles the Fifth.

rebirth

Genoa became a junior ally of Spain. From this began its revival. Republican bankers financed Spanish enterprises. In the years 1557-1627, the bankers-financiers from Genoa concentrated incredible wealth in their hands.

Genoese bankers developed their power under Philip II. From 1557, the dominance of the German Fuggers in the financial life of Spain ceased. The Genoese provided the Habsburgs with a reliable and constant income. Where did Genoa get the funds for financial activities?

Everything happened due to the supply of American silver and gold, which went through Seville to the republic.

However, the situation for Genoa began to deteriorate by the seventeenth century. This was due to the decline of Spain and the frequent bankruptcies of the Spanish monarchs. The Genoese banking houses began to fail.

Decision of the Congress of Vienna

The decline did not stop in the eighteenth century. The Republic even had to sell it to France. Despite this, the Republic of Genoa, in which democracy was carried out through the work of elected doges and the merchant oligarchy, remained an important center of trade.

Gradually, Genoa lost all its islands in the Mediterranean. The last colony was captured by Tunisia in 1742. Two decades later it was occupied by Napoleonic troops. Bonaparte personally overthrew the city's elite and made its territory part of the Ligurian Republic.

When Napoleon was defeated, Genoa hoped to be reborn. The local elite made a corresponding statement, but this was not enough.

The Congress of Vienna took place in 1814-1815. It was decided that the territory of Genoa would go to the Kingdom of Sardinia. The British army helped to crush the resistance of the Genoese and carry out the decision of the congress.

Colonies

Before considering all the possessions of the trading city, you should find out where the Republic of Genoa was located. It was located in the northwestern part of the coast of the Apennine Peninsula.

Its colonies were located on the islands and along the shores of the Mediterranean, Aegean, Black, Marble, Seas of Azov. Some of them are located in modern Russia and Ukraine.

The most famous colonies of Genoa:

• Corsica;
• Tabarka;
• Cyprus;
• Monaco;
• Galata is a modern district of Istanbul;
• Kaffa;
• Yalta;
• Cembalo (Balaklava);
• Alushta;
• Tana is a city of modern Rostov region;
• Mavrolako - modern Gelendzhik;
• Liyash - modern Adler.

Due to the large number of overseas possessions, the republic was often called an empire. She used the occupied territories as trading posts.

Genoa (Italy) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Genoa with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Genoa (Italy)

Genoa is a city in northwestern Italy, the capital of Liguria. It is one of the largest Italian ports with a glorious and rich history. Genoa is the capital of the once powerful and rich maritime republic with the largest historical center among the cities of Europe, the birthplace of the legendary Columbus and the brilliant Paganini. This is a city with amazing charm: the sea, the old port, many rich old palaces and beautiful sights hidden among the cozy streets and reminiscent of past wealth, excellent cuisine and a unique port atmosphere. All this makes Genoa one of the most interesting cities in Italy.

The capital of Liguria is often overlooked. Most tourists who come to Italy want to see the antiquities of Rome, touch the cultural treasures of Florence, dream of Venice or shopping in Milan. Many people think that Genoa is a pale shadow of a mighty sea power, just Big city and a major port. And that's not entirely true! Here, the façades of rich historical buildings and cultural monuments are hidden among sleazy but atmospheric streets that are filled with charming lanes, pavement cafes and restaurants, and the old port is still bustling with life as ever.

Geography and climate

Genoa is located in the northwestern part of Italy, almost at the base of the "Italian boot". The city stretched out in a long narrow strip along the Genoese Gulf of the Ligurian Sea and is bounded by the sea and the Apennine Mountains. The climate is humid subtropical. Summers are quite hot, while winters are rainy and cool. More than 1000 mm of precipitation falls per year.

Best time to visit

The best time visits: May-September. The rainy season begins in October and lasts until February.

Practical information

1. The population is 595 thousand people.
2. The area is 243.60 square kilometers.
3. The language is Italian.
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
7. Addresses of tourist information centers: airport, Via Garibaldi, 12r, Via al Porto Antico, 2 and Ponte dei Mille.
8. The voltage in the electrical network is 220V.
9. Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards.
10. Most museums and attractions are closed on Mondays.
11. Some shops may be closed from 12.30 to 15.30.

Story

In antiquity, on the coast of the Gulf of Genoa, there was a small Greek colony. Later, a fishing settlement of the Ligurian tribe was founded here, destroyed in the 3rd century BC by Carthage. Around this period, these territories were annexed to the Roman Empire. After its collapse, Genoa was alternately owned by the Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Lombards and Franks.

The formation of Genoa as one of the largest ports begins in the 10th century. In the 12th century, it was already an independent city-state with an extensive network of colonies and numerous trade links, in no way inferior in wealth to Venice and Pisa.

The period of decline of the maritime republic began in the 14th century. At the end of the century, Genoa became dependent on the French, and in 1421 on the Milanese. In the 16th century, the city was reborn. With the discovery of America and thanks to the alliance with Spain, Genoa became one of the richest European cities. Economic prosperity and prosperity continued until the 18th century.

In the 18th century, the Republic of Genoa was transformed into a French protectorate, and later annexed to France altogether. After graduation Napoleonic Wars and Congress of Vienna Genoa went to Piedmont. In the second half of the 19th century, the city became part of the United Italy.

How to get there

Shopping and shopping

Genoa is a great place for shopping. It is easy to find designer boutiques, supermarkets, antique shops here. Brand stores are located in the Via Settembre area. A large shopping center called Fiumara is located next to the train station.

Food and drink

Genoa is famous for its gastronomy. The main features of Ligurian cuisine are pesto sauce, focaccia, fresh seafood and fish, pasta, farinata (chickpea dish). In pizzerias you can try good pizza. Piazza delle Erbe is a popular place with a large concentration of cafes and restaurants. Many inexpensive establishments can be found on Via Garibaldi.

sights

Garibaldi Street is a true gem of Genoa. It was founded in the 16th century and became the site for the construction of palaces of wealthy Genoese. In this small space, chic houses with coats of arms of noble families stand side by side, competing with each other for the beauty of architecture and the richness of facade decoration. Via Garibaldi is located a little north of Piazza Ferrari near the sailors' quarter. The palaces of Rosso, Bianco and Tursi are open to the public. And the street itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is a majestic church and the main sacral building of the city. The cathedral was built in the 12th century as a Romanesque basilica, reconstructed in the 14th century in the Gothic style and rebuilt again in the early Renaissance style in the 16th century. The building has a beautiful marble facade. Precious Christian relics are kept here: the ashes of John the Baptist and a plate on which, it is believed, the head of the saint was presented to Salome.

Santi Ambrogio is a Jesuit church in the small Piazza Matteotti, built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style. It is believed that the temple has the most beautiful interior among the religious buildings of Genoa: artsy baroque with marble, frescoes and two paintings by Rubens.

San Matteo is a small 13th-century Gothic church with a marble façade. Located near Santi Ambrogio on Via Tommaso. Inside there are many relics from the period of the Republic of Genoa. The crypt houses the tomb of Andrea Doria, who in the 16th century restored the independence of Genoa and increased the wealth of the city.

Santa Maria di Castello is a 12th century Romanesque church with beautiful frescoes. It is located in one of the most ancient places of Genoa, where the Etruscans and Phoenicians traded. In the 15th century a Dominican monastery was founded here.

The Church of Jesus is a 16th century Jesuit church with a beautiful Genoese baroque interior with multi-colored marble decoration. The religious building was built on the site of an earlier church founded by the Milanese bishop Ambrogio, who fled from the Lombards.

Cimitero di Staglieno is the beautiful Campo Santo, one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Italy. Here you can find many interesting tombstones in Art Nouveau and Art Nouveau styles.

The Genoese Aquarium is one of the largest structures of its kind in Italy and Europe. It was built in 1992 in honor of the 500th anniversary of the voyage of Columbus. Great place for a family holiday.

Genoa harbor is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean, 22 kilometers of berths with parking for yachts, ships, warehouses and industrial cranes. We recommend visiting Porto Anti - the old port, where the ships of Admiral Doria were built in the 15-16th century.

Porta Soprano - two well-preserved medieval city gate towers from the 12th century. Nearby is the house of Columbus, in which the famous navigator is believed to have spent his childhood.

The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) is a luxurious 17th century mansion with majestic staircases, balconies, a luxuriously decorated interior and a collection of works of art.

Ferrari Square is the lively center of Genoa with a beautiful fountain. The square is surrounded by beautiful neo-baroque and art nouveau buildings.

Palazzo Ducale - one of the most majestic historical buildings of Genoa, the palace of the Genoese doges. The building was founded in the 13th century. The medieval part is still very visible. The palace was constantly expanded and rebuilt. The last reconstruction was made in 1992.

Embriaci is a tall medieval tower built in the 11th century. This is one of the few surviving towers that were erected by eminent Genoese next to their homes.

Piazza Vittoria is one of the central city squares with an impressive triumphal arch built in the 30s of the 20th century.

Aqueduct - an engineering structure for supplying water to the city, built in the 13th century.

San Giorgio is one of the most beautiful and striking buildings in Genoa with a beautiful façade that houses the Port Authority. The history of the palace began in the 13th century. This palazzo consists of two different parts: one part is older, a typical example of medieval urban architecture, and the other is made in the Renaissance style.

Lanterna - one of the symbols of Genoa, a lighthouse of the 16th century 117 meters high. To see the port and the historic center of the city from its height, you need to overcome 172 steps.

The fishing village is an ancient and picturesque seaside enclave located within Genoa. This is an area of ​​pretty pastel houses and cozy restaurants with terraces.

There are practically no beaches in Genoa, although the capital of Liguria is located close to beach resorts. A small pretty pebble beach can be found right in the fishing village.

Brilliant Genoa must be seen at least once in a lifetime. After all, this is a powerful maritime power, the main competitor of the Most Serene Venice, whose influence reached the Crimea. Do you still remember the Genoese fortress in Sudak?

It is the birthplace of such personalities as Christopher Columbus and Giuseppe Mazzini. One is a navigator and discoverer of America, the other is a famous politician, philosopher and writer in Italy. It was here that the first banks appeared, and the flag of the republic was adopted by Great Britain itself. Genoa was in many ways the first, and in many ways continues to be so. La Superba, which means "magnificent", continues to adequately hold the brand of an influential maritime city, which has always decided everything on its own.

In the photo: Piazza de Ferrari in Genoa

The largest port in the Mediterranean in 2004 received the status of the cultural capital of Europe. Honorable, isn't it? The inhabitants of Genoa are rightfully proud of the historical center of their city, narrow lanes where everything is mixed: bright flower markets, colorful houses, spectacular palaces, darkened sculptures, charming churches.

It will not be difficult to meet here representatives of the most ancient profession, enticing clients and appearing here and there at any time of the day. The mixture of cultures, traditions and peoples has given Genoa a unique character that cannot be found anywhere else.

HISTORICAL LAYERS

The name of the city comes from the word ianua, which in Latin means door. And, indeed, the inhabitants of this city managed to open the doors to power, wealth and influence, but at first many owners changed here: there were Greeks, Romans, and Ligures, and then the city was destroyed by Carthage. Then there were the Byzantines, Franks, Saracens and Lombards, and, finally, from the 10th century, Genoa, the most important port of the Mediterranean, enjoying indisputable respect. The victory over the blood enemy Venice gave Genoa unprecedented prosperity and prosperity, as did the alliance with Spain, thanks to which the most important thing happened geographical discovery at the turn of the 15th-16th centuries. And in the center of it was the Genoese - Christopher Columbus.

ENGLISH FLAG

Surprisingly, the UK also owes a lot to Genoa. For example, the official flag. How did it happen? The Republic had a powerful fleet and even pirates were afraid to approach its ships. Noticing from a distance a flag with a red cross on a white background, which meant the Passion of Christ and Christianity in general, many preferred not to fight and get out the best of health. It was well known that not everyone could deal with the all-powerful Genoa.

England did not fail to take advantage of this, because its forces at that time were significantly inferior to the Genoese. She offered a substantial sum for the use of a red and white standard on her ships to avoid attacks at sea. Practical Genoa could not refuse such an offer and gave the UK the opportunity to use its flag. However, it should be noted that over time British flag was supplemented with new details: the Cross of the Apostle Andrew and the Cross of St. Patrick, but the base of the flag comes from the Ligurian shores.

LIVE BY THE SEA

Genoa and the sea are connected forever. The theme of water is relevant here and today, which is confirmed by the presence of an old and new port with countless ships, and a huge Aquarium with 5000 inhabitants, the Museum of Navigation, the Maritime Museum of Galata and, of course, one cannot but mention the real symbol of the city - the lighthouse of Laterna. It was built in the XII century, and always illuminated the way for sailors returning to their native harbor. Today, you can climb the lighthouse to admire the city from a bird's eye view.

Not far away, in the bay of San Fruttoso, there is also a unique underwater attraction - a statue of Christ, called "Christ from the Abyss", installed on the seabed at a depth of 17 meters and attracting divers and snorkellers.

CHURCH PROPERTY

Start your acquaintance with the city with a tour of the local churches - very spectacular and rich. San Lorenzo keeps the legendary Holy Grail (more precisely, one of the contenders for the title of the very cup from which Christ drank), the Jesuit temple dedicated to Andrew and Ambrose will please Peter Paul Rubens with two masterpieces, and the Armenian Church of Bartholomew is known for the most ancient relic - the Image Not Made by Hands Savior, according to legend, brought from Edessa to Constantinople.

In the photo: the Cathedral of St. Lorenzo in Genoa

To admire the snow-white sculpture, take a look at the small church of San Pietro in Banchi, which was built with the money of local shopkeepers and merchants, and history lovers should go to Santo Stefano and San Matteo. In the first, Christopher Columbus was baptized, and the second church became the resting place of Andrea Doria, an admiral from the famous aristocratic family of Genoa, who deserved the title "Liberator and Father of the Fatherland."

Pictured: Church of Santo Stefano in Genoa

Another important religious site is the Commenda of San Giovanni di Pre, a complex of churches, a hospital, and a monastery that was associated with crusaders, pilgrims, pontiffs, and even the mysterious Order of Malta.

WHAT ELSE TO SEE IN THE CITY?

Port Genoa is full of real treasures. Start at the gem of the city, Via Garibaldi and Palazzi dei Rolli, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are the residences of wealthy aristocrats, the most influential people of the republic, who could afford to build pompous buildings. In one of the mansions - the Palazzo Tursi - personal belongings of Paganini himself and his violin Canon, made in Cremona, the homeland of Stradivari, in the most violin city of Italy, are exhibited.