GENOA is the capital of the Italian region of LIGURIA and the sixth-largest city in ITALY.
GENOA has historically been one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean: it is currently the busiest in ITALY and in the MEDITERRANEAN SEA and twelfth-busiest in the EUROPEAN UNION.
   GENOA was the capital of one of the most powerful maritime republics for over seven centuries, from the 11th century to 1797.
   Particularly from the 12th century to the 15th century, the city played a leading role in the commercial trade in EUROPE, becoming one of the largest naval powers of the continent and considered among the wealthiest cities in the World.
   The city has hosted massive shipyards and steelworks since the 19th century, and its solid financial sector dates back to the Middle Ages. The Bank of Saint George, founded in 1407, is the oldest known state deposit bank in the World.
   The historical centre, also known as old town, of GENOA is one of the largest and most-densely populated in EUROPE; is also known for its narrow lanes and streets that the locals call „caruggi".
   GENOA is also home to the University of GENOA, which has a history going back to the 15th century, when it was known as GENUENSE ATHENAEUM.
  The city's rich cultural history in art, music and cuisine allowed it to become the 2004 European Capital of Culture.
  It is the birthplace of GUGLIELMO EMBRIACO, CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, ANDREA DORIA, NICCOLÒ PAGANINI, GIUSEPPE MAZZINI, RENZO PIANO and GRIMALDO CANELLA, founder of the House of Grimaldi, among others.