Genoa in the Renaissance - The Century of the Genoese

In 1500, Genoa was a fortress.

The Image

The sketch shows a city enclosed by walls, dominated by the Lanterna (already there!) and the high-density housing. The port was smaller, natural, and protected by the Molo Vecchio.

The Century of the Genoese

Between 1550 and 1650, Genoese bankers funded the Spanish Empire. Gold from the New World flowed through here.

• Result: This wealth built the Strada Nuova (Via Garibaldi) that you visit on the bus today. Every palace there is a safe deposit box for that golden era.