Genoa

Italy's port city of Genoa (Genova in Italian) is most famously remembered for being the home of Christopher Columbus. Visitors to this northern enclave will find that it also has a rich artistic history, with numerous frescos, paintings, sculptures and other works of art held in the city's abundant museums, palaces, villas, art galleries and piazzas. Shoppers flock to Via XX Settembre, the main shopping street. It runs between Piazza de Ferrari and Piazza della Vittoria. A stroll down this street will take visitors past Mercato Orientale (Eastern Market), an indoor food and produce market and The Historic Center with its narrow, winding allies and many churches, mansions, shops, restaurants and bars.