Genoa  

Brief History

The city of Genoa is located on the coast of the northwest area of Italy, in the Liguria region. The city was founded in 4th century BC and became an important commercial and seafaring port town. Due to Genoa's strategic position on the Liguria Sea the city was subjected to domination by European powers such as the French, Saracens and the Spanish over the centuries. Genoa is the capital city of the Liguria region and remains Italy's most important seaport.The total population of Italy is estimated at 58 million with an estimated 700,000 people living in Genoa.The Liguria region is famous for pesto, focaccia and farinata.

Things You May Not Know About Genoa

The coastline of Liguria was inhabited by Neanderthals over a million years ago.

It is a popular belief that Christopher Columbus (c.1446-1505) was born in Genoa, however there is controversy surrounding his actual nationality and birthplace.

It is believed that the word "jeans" originated from Genoa. During the 16th century, Europeans refered to Genoa as Gene and it was in this city that denim cloth was used to make pants. The pants were eventually named after the city and became known as "jeans".

In the Treasury of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo there is a sacred bowl (Sacro Catino) believed to be the Holy grail, the chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Once thought to be made from emerald it was discovered, by accident, to be green glass. Not to worry, there are other chalices in Vienna and Valencia said to to be the Holy Grail !

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