You’ve already discovered maritime, aristocratic, and gourmet Genoa, but what about defensive Genoa? That side of the city hasn’t had its moment, so let’s change that, with this proud symbol of Genoese resilience in front of you. In the early 11th century, Genoa had just broken free from the Byzantine Empire in the East and the Carolingian Empire in the West. The city was enjoying its independence, but its people knew how fragile that freedom could be. Between 1151 and 1159, they built a protective wall around the main neighbourhoods. As the city expanded through the Middle Ages, three main gates were added, Porta dei Vacca, Porta Aurea, and Porta Soprana. The latter, standing before you, still watches over the city’s historic heart. Restored in 1890, Porta Soprana is one of the most striking and symbolic gateways into Genoa’s old town.