The port city of Genova in north-west Italy lies in the middle of a long coastal region above Italy’s ‘boot’. Genova was once Italy’s largest maritime republics along with Venice and it was a powerful republic. Rooted in tradition, the place is also an important cultural centre with unique churches built above shops, elevators that move horizontally than vertically and fortified walls making them the longest defensive walls in Italy. Everywhere you go, you will encounter the name of the Doria family who ruled the city, commanded the city’s fleets and commissioned many of its palazzi. The famous explorer Christopher Columbus (Cristoforo Colombo) also spent his childhood here between 1455 and 1470. From modern, Renaissance and Baroque architecture to fancy palaces and hip art cafes, each will take visitors on a dramatic trip back in time.