Genoa conquers hearts not only with its ancient history and the number of outstanding personalities who were born and lived here. Picturesque narrow streets, ancient fortresses and luxurious palaces, unique temples and, of course, unsurpassed natural corners will not leave indifferent even experienced travelers.
The famous navigator and discoverer Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa. This is kept in memory of the house-museum in which the genius traveler grew up. Here you can also find the palace where Marco Polo was imprisoned. And in Genoa, you can see one of the largest aquariums on the planet, as well as one of the world's oldest lighthouses.
You can start your acquaintance with Genoa from Ferrari Square. The main city artery begins from here. The square bears the name of Duke Raphael de Ferrari, who was famous for his charity and social activities.
The area was originally much smaller. It was adjacent to the monastery of St. Dominic. But after the arrival of Napoleon, the monastery was captured. Warehouses and barracks for the military were equipped within its walls. This led to significant destruction of an object significant for the Genoese. But after Genoa regained its independence, the temple and monastery were carefully reconstructed. And along with the cult buildings, the square itself was transformed.
The location received a new, square configuration and expanded territory. New architectural objects were built around, which today are included in the list of outstanding city monuments. These include the opera house, the entrance to which is decorated with an equestrian sculpture by Giuseppe Garibildi, cast in bronze.
Already in the 20th century, the grandiose Piaggio round fountain appeared on the square, which was named after the family that sponsored its construction. Today, next to the fountain is the picturesque building of the former Stock Exchange. And recently, a metro station of the same name appeared near Ferrari Square.
Other sites worth seeing in this place include the Doge's Palace. The attraction appeared at the beginning of the XIII century, when Genoa lived its heyday. This is the oldest building on the square. In this case, the main facades of the building overlook another location - Matteotti Square. The palace is bordered by a side wall with Ferrari.
Since 1339, representatives of the local nobility lived in the palace - the doji. But with the arrival of Bonaparte, this rank was canceled.