The Crossing - Where America Began

Porta Soprana (Torri di Sant'Andrea)

You are standing in the shadow of Porta Soprana, the soaring medieval gatehouse that once served as Genoa's main eastern entry. With its two massive stone towers, this was the grandest gate in the 12th-century city defense walls. Just a few steps past the arches lies the small reconstructed stone house where a young Christopher Columbus grew up.

Palazzo San Giorgio

Look at this breathtaking, vividly painted palace right on the historic harbor front. Palazzo San Giorgio has lived many lives: it was built as the civic government hall, served as a grim state prison (where Marco Polo was famously jailed!), and later became the home of the Bank of Saint George—one of the world's very first chartered banks.

Galata Museo del Mare & Submarine Nazario Sauro

Genoa’s identity is bound to the sea, and there is no better place to experience it than Galata Museo del Mare—the largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean. Walk through full-scale reconstructions of 17th-century wooden galleys, experience interactive ocean storm simulators, and then step right outside onto the docks to climb inside the Nazario Sauro—a real decommissioned Italian Navy submarine floating in the water!

Truogoli di Santa Brigida

Welcome to one of Genoa’s most enchanting, colorful hidden squares. The Truogoli are large, historic public washbasins sheltered under a wrought-iron canopy. Close your eyes and imagine the chatter, local gossip, and splashing sounds of Genoese women who gathered here daily for centuries to wash the city’s laundry.

Commenda di San Giovanni di Prè

This fortress-like church complex is the Commenda di San Giovanni di Prè. Imagine arriving by sea in the 12th century as a medieval pilgrim or crusading knight—this massive stone building was your very first stop for shelter, hot food, and medical care. It is a rare surviving medieval hospital and hostel rolled into one, featuring stunning Romanesque-Gothic vaulted halls.