|
|
City of Genoa
Genoa (Genova in Italian, Zena in Genoese) is a city of northwest Italy on the Gulf of Genoa and a seaport in northern Italy. The city has an approximate population of 620,000 and the urban area has an approximate population of 890,000. The population is homogeneously Italian. Southern and northern Italians alike have flocked to the city during the late 1900's. An estimated 95.3% of the population is of Italian origin. But there has been a sharp increase of immigrants mostly from South America, Eastern Europe, and a very meager number from Asia. The city, characterized by one of the largest historical centers in Europe, is the core of the Italian Riviera. Activity of the tertiary sector, settled in the downtown, is primarily related to the commercial port, one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea.
Now many things are changing towards a better use of the territory with a keen view to the environment and so becoming more interesting for tourists. Arriving to the Ligurian area, the town is really worth a visit as many ancient Renaissance buildings, famous museums and very good restaurants are all within an easy reach. The Old Town is the biggest in Europe and one of the best preserved old cities in the world. Great palaces, property of the ancient powerful Genoa families are now museums open to the public. Genoa has been elected Cultural Capital for the year 2004 by the European Parliament Commission.
Between Genoa's notable buildings are the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (rebuilt in 1100 and frequently restored), the palace of the doges, the richly decorated churches of the Annunciation and of St. Ambrose (both 16th cent.), the medieval Church of San Donato, many Renaissance palaces, and the Carlo Felice opera house (19th cent.). The city is surrounded by old walls and forts, and the steep and narrow streets of the harbor section are very picturesque. The 16th-century Lanterna [lighthouse] is an emblem of Genoa. The Old Port was redesigned in 1992 by Renzo Piano; a modern aquarium and tropical greenhouse (the Bolla) are there. Genoa has several museums and a university (founded 1243).
Genoa
|
Genoa
|
|
|
|
|
|
