Today the weather was very similar to what we’d left behind – very chilly, rainy and windy. It was supposed to rain all day but we didn’t get wet. Weather report over.

Church No 1 – the cathedral. Started in the 11C and added to since, it is an interesting mixture.

Inside are the ashes of John the Baptist. Not entirely sure where they came from or how legitimate they are 😁 but they are taken out and paraded round the town every June for his saints day.

Church No 2 – St Matteo.

This is the Doria church. In mediaeval times, when Genoa rivalled Venice in maritime power in the Mediterranean, the city was controlled by several powerful families, one of which was the Doria. Not only did they build this church on their land, they also built several palazzi around it, all of which they still own.

On the way to the next church. Many of the streets in the old town are either alleys or steep flights of steps. This one is one of the larger ones.

Church No 3 – San Luca.

Church No 4 – San Siro

Church No 5 – Annunziato del Vastato

This is a Franciscan church, originally built outside the mediaeval town walls. Vastato means in open space.

Villa del Principe – country house of Admiral Andrea Doria

This is, of course, now in the town, but in 1530 when it was built, it was out in the country. Andrea Doria was a very interesting man. He was born up the coast of Liguria and originally became a soldier, fighting for the likes of Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino in the endless Italian wars. Having participated in the expulsion of the French from Genoese territory in the service of the navy, he became a famous naval commander, fighting all sorts of people across the Mediterranean. As the French then recovered Genoa he entered the service of Francis I of France. This was swiftly followed by a transfer to Emperor Charles V when Francis went back on his promises. After a range of activities in the service of the Emperor, he was able to finally expel the French from Genoa. He refused to become Doge but reformed the constitution, introducing statutes that remained in place until the end of the Republic in 1797. He rebuilt the city walls and settled down in his new country house. His wealth and power at this stage were much envied and there were several unsuccessful conspiracies against him. He went to sea again in the service of the Emperor, the last time aged 88. He died aged 93.

And back at the hotel I thought I’d have a little cocktail before dinner. This is what he brought me….