The area of the old harbor is surrounded by the historical center, the largest in Europe with its dedalus of narrow alleys (called
caruggi) and small squares. Parts of the medieval walls and
gates built to defend the town are still visible. Within this area, the points of historical and artistic interest are numberless: we can just mention
Palazzo San Giorgio, seat of the Port Authority since it was built in the Middle Age, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, consecrated in 1118, the
Palazzo Ducale, where the Duke of the ancient Genova Republic had his seat and the house where Christopher Columbus is said to have been born.