Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A victory over Venice in 1298 led to a period of growth, but bickering between the
Grimaldis, Dorias, Spinolas and other dynasties caused internal chaos. The Grimaldis
headed west, establishing the principality of Monaco - hence the similarity of Monaco's
language, Monegasque, to the Genoese dialect.
In the 16th century, under the rule of Imperial Admiral Andrea Doria, Genoa benefited
from financing Spanish exploration. Its coffers swelled further in the 17th century, which
saw an outer ring of walls added as the city expanded, and its newly built palaces filled
with art, attracting masters such as Rubens. Celebrated architect Galeazzo Alessi
(1512-72) designed many of the city's splendid buildings.
The end of the Age of Exploration came as a blow and, as the Mediterranean's mercant-
ile importance declined, so did Genoa's. The city languished for centuries.
Genoa was the first northern city to rise against Nazi occupation and the Italian Fascists
during WWII, liberating itself before Allied troops arrived. After the war the city deve-
loped rapidly, although by the 1970s decline had set in as industries folded.
Christopher Columbus is Genoa's most famous son. In 1992 the 500th anniversary of
his seminal voyage to America transformed Genoa's ancient harbour from a decaying
backwater into a showpiece for the city. Renzo Piano orchestrated the overhaul, adding a
number of striking permanent attractions. Two years later, Genoa was named a European
City of Culture, spurring further renovations and additions to the cityscape, including sev-
eral new museums and a much-needed metro system.
