In the beginning was the port

Since its very beginning Genoa has always been a sea port.  The harbour has always been a center of international commerce.

Today, the port has been built outwards as far as Voltri, where the new container terminals symbolise an economy that goes well beyond the regional boundaries.

The city was actually founded around the natural harbour and continued to grow as a port, from a merchant emporium to a Maritime Republic dominating the whole of the Mediterranean, from Andrea Doria's naval base to todays passenger terminus.

Overlooking the cranes and mast-heads is the century old "Lanterna", Genoa's lighthouse emblem, visible to all those who put in at the port from whatever direction.  It was built in the 16th century on the site of an existing tower. Fires were lit on top of it to signal the entrance to the harbour.

The "Scirocco" can still be felt at Caricamento, where redevelopment for the Expo uncovered the 14th century quay-side.  The medieval porticoed water front ("Scottoripa") still breathes a distinct mercantile air, evocative of the flourishing emporia of the past.