Genoa

The city's modern name may derive from the Latin word 'genua', meaning 'knees', as it was deemed to be on the 'knee region' of a 'booted leg'.

Genoa started expanding during the First Crusade, with a population of about 10,000 at that time.

Around the 14th century, Genoa was credited with the invention of blue jeans, which were used for work clothes.

The flag of Genoa is a St. George's Cross, a red cross on a white field.

Genoa's historic centre is one of the largest and most densely populated medieval centres in Europe, covering an area of 113 hectares.