CAPITAL CITY OF LIGURIA

Genova, commonly known in English as Genoa, the capital city of Liguria, is home to one of the oldest and most active commercial ports in Europe and a plethora of industrial operations, making the bustling city a magnet for cutting-edge scientific development. It's no coincidence that even back in 1358 poet Francesco Petrarca named it “La Superba” (the magnificent). Genova is the birthplace of many world-renowned intellectuals, including Nobel Prize for Literature winner Eugenio Montale, architect Renzo Piano, astronaut Franco Malerba, industrialist Enrico Piaggio, mostly known for creating Vespa, and poet and singer Fabrizio de Andrè, whose songs are still sulla bocca di tutti.

Genova grew from a Roman fishing village to a major trading centre used by Greek and Etruscan merchants for their exchanges. From the beginning of the 12th century, it provided ships for several Crusades and, by the Medieval period, Genova had become one of the four most powerful Maritime Republics, chal- lenging the likes of Venice for power and control of the Mediterranean Sea. To this day it is still one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean sea trade. Shipbuilding and banking helped build one of the largest and most powerful navies in that area and, along with textiles and petroleum, are still the major industries in today's Ligurian economy. Two of the earliest banks in the world were founded in Genova in the 15th century: Banco di San Giorgio, founded in 1407, which was the oldest chartered bank in the world at the time of its closure in 1805 and the Banca Carige, founded in 1483 and which still exists today.

Genova is a city that defies time, seamlessly blending the past and the present with its rich, ever-evolving skyline. All that remains is for you to see it for yourself.

When strolling through the Strade Nuove (“the new streets”), in the city's downtown core, you will be amazed at the beauty and splendour of the architectural treasures known as the Palazzi dei Rolli. This collection of 42 noble palaces, added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2006, was built in the Renaissance and Baroque styles between the 16th and 18th Centuries as private residences of the most important aristocratic families of the time. They were so magnificent and spacious that they replaced the role of the courts in hosting illustrious guests such as ambassadors, cardinals and feudal lords when invited to visit the city by the state. Today, some of the Palazzi dei Rolli are still private residences, while others have become headquarters of banks, offices or museums (Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Doria Tursi). On two weekends of the year, in spring and fall, all palaces open their doors for the public to admire their beauty and architectural magnificence.

Alongside this rich architectural history, Genova has also modernized itself through the creation of new structures of great architectural significance and the renovation of old ones. The new face of the Porto Antico (Old Port) District includes the Aquario di Genova or Aquarium of Genoa and the futuristic glass and steel Biosphere bubble. These sleek constructions make for a captivating architectural landscape especially juxtaposing ancient structures like The

Lighthouse of Genova, commonly known as Lanterna which was built in 1128 and continues to operate after 9 centuries.

Planning a visit? Immerse yourself in the architecture of this maritime powerhouse at Palazzo Grillo. Housed in what was once one of the Palazzi dei Rolli built in 1545, this 4* hotel is resplendent with carefully restored original details from frescoes to epigraphs. If you’re looking to experience the new face of Genova try The NH Collection Genova Marina designed by Renzo Piano, the man behind the modernisation of Porto Antico. The hotel is built on stilts with contemporary rooms overlooking the harbor.

Genova is a city that defies time, seamlessly blending the past and the present with its rich, ever-evolving skyline. All that remains is for you to see it for yourself.

Hotels links: hotelpalazzogrillo.it nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-collection-genova-marina