After two weeks, I’m leaving the woods. Francesca gives me a ride into Genova. As we come down from her haven in the forest, we pass the spot on the river where many immigrants, mostly from Ecuador, come to party. It’s Sunday. A day off. They picnic, play music and party for free by the riverside.
My lodging in the historic center of Genova is on Via Campetto, across the street from the Palazzo Gio Vincenzo Imperiale. The view of the facade from my windows is beautiful.
The palace now houses a restaurant and condos, but in the past it was one of the Rolli Palaces, homes of the nobility that were authorized to provide lodging for visiting dignitaries.
I am very centrally located in the historic city center. The cathedral is right nearby.
With my favorite lions guarding the steps.
A number of vendors in the program Books of Summer have set up on the piazza outside the Ducal Palace.
A vendor sits where he can oversee his book stand but gets engrossed in one of his books.
I walk to the Piazza Ferrari where the old stock exchange building dominates the square.
A sculpture of the artist Bruno Catalano draws attention to the plight of immigrants.
A wall protesting violence against women stops me in my tracks. Recently, a lot of attention has been given to the many women who have been victims of violence.
It is good to see protestors speaking out.
I walk to the Porta Soprana city gate. Built in the 1100s to ward off the threat of Frederick of Barbarossa, these gates did their job and protected Genova.
They look just as you might want medieval gates to look.
Awesome!