The history of Genoa goes back to the Ligures which was an ancient Italian tribe. What is known is that a ancient cemetery occupied by the Greeks that date back to the 5^th and 6^th centuries prove that this city has been around for quite a while. Much of the ancient times for the city saw the city ransacked and later rebuilt time and again. The war with the Carthaginians in 209 B.C. was one of the more famous wars when the city was destroyed.

Later on the city of Genoa became a lesser known fishing port which seemed to have spared it further conflict with other nations. Also this city is notable in that this is one of the first places where the Italian citizens received rights under feudal law.

Modern times have seen the slow and steady decline of the city however as its importance as a trade and economic power diminish over the years. This does not mean the city has not been crucial in some of the world’s history. Now rather it is just that as more cities have gained prominence Genoa has seen a steady decline in influence.

The main attractions of the city are centered around Piazza de Ferrari which contain the Opera house and the Palaces of the Doges. Another interesting sight to see is St. Lawrence Cathedral which was founded in the 5^th or 6^th centuries A.D. and is devoted to St. Sirus bishop of Genoa. For those that like aquariums this city has you covered with the Aquarium of Genoa which is one of the largest in the whole of Europe. Like something out of the port town of Alexandria this town has an ancient lighthouse called Torre della Lanterna or the tower of the latern.

Either way you cut it the city of Genoa is definitely worth visiting on your cruise around the Mediterranean as it seems to have something for everyone.