GENOVA: Once a mighty maritime republic and the birthplace of Cristoforo Colombo the city has a labyrinth of narrow alleys at the heart of the old city, near the port. Genova (in Liguria region) was founded in the 4th century BC and possibily derives its name from the Latin ianua (door). A key Roman port, it later became a mercantile power, although often subject to domination by others. Genova has reached its peak in the 16th century and this golden age lasted into the 17th century and produced innumerable magnificent palaces and great works of art. The feverish activity attracted masters of the calibre of Rubens, Caravaggio and Van Dyck. Galeazzo Alessi who designed many of the of the city’s splendid buildings is regarded as highly as Andrea Palladio.
