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.

Today the city of Bari is a modern industrial port town with a proud people. The dialect is a bit rough when compared to other regions in Italy. Many of the towns traditions are centered around Saint Nicolas which is the town saint. When you travel around the Mediterrian many ports have some sort of statue erected to honor Saint Nicolas which is the saint of sailors and fishermen.

One of the sights of Bari is called Barivecchia which is the old part of Bari and is comprised of a sprawl of streets. Until recently this area was considered off limits to many of the local residents however with a new resurgence of new pubs and bars into the area this part of town is becoming a better place to visit and can be frequented by tourists as well.

If you are more into seeing churches and the like then you will not be disappointed as with all of Italy the town of Bari has their fair share. The most notable places to see in this town is the Basilica di San Nicola which is the church of Saint Nicolas. This church was founded all the way back in 1087 to receive the remains of the saint. The next most frequented church is the church of St. Sabinus which is the towns Cathedral. This Cathedral was started in 1034 then later destroyed in 1156. The building we see today was built between 1170 and 1178 and was inspired by the church of Saint Nicolas.

One of the best times to visit this city is when the Fiera del Levante takes place. This is one of the largest trade fairs in the Adriatic sea and is held in the month of September. It is more like a mini world’s fair that takes place in this part of the world. Certainly that should be of interest to just about everyone.