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Genoa History, Italy

Unlike most cities in Italy that traced their origins during the birth of the Roman Empire, a city located on the northern part of the Italian Peninsula called Genoa has its beginning even before the establishment of the Great Roman Empire. With this, it is therefore imperative that the city of Genoa harbors richer historical and cultural heritage and have witnessed and played vital roles that helped coursed the Roman- and therefore the Italian history.

The strategic location of the city of Genoa in the northern part of the Italian peninsula breeds advantages. The original settlement was established by the northern barbaric tribes. Due to its role as a major seaport for trading and transport, the city of Genoa prospered to be one of the busiest and wealthiest places along the coast of the Mediterranean. The flourishing city was briefly captured by the barbaric tribe called Saracens but regained its fleet and reasserted its dominance as a free state. However, the city of Genoa was brought under the rule of France until its incorporation as part of the newly formed Kingdom of Sardinia. Over the years, the presence of Genoa as a premier maritime spot steadily grew. This city has played an important role in the unification of Italy. Here, Garibaldi first planned his expedition of the Thousand that definitely helped establish the Kingdom of Italy.

Despite the series of events that subjected the city of Genoa to various vicissitudes in the aspect of political and economic standing, the city has also experienced the peak of its historical and cultural achievement- the Golden Age of Genoa. This moment of prosperity marked by the achievements in the fields of art, education, philosophy, economics and quality of life in general took place during the 14th century under the Spanish rule.

The succeeding centuries saw Genoa as a rising center of industrialization and progress in Northern Italy. The advent of technology and investment influx greatly helped Genoa reestablish itself as one of the most important seaports in the Mediterranean. Although the city’s economic development was challenged during the 1960’s due to some economic dynamics that affected the traditional Genoa practice of large scale sponsored investments, the city of Genoa nevertheless surpassed these trying times and has emerged to be one of the most important seaports in Europe. Genoa has its fair share of history and culture. Rich in both, the city of Genoa is indeed one of the Italian cities worth our time.

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