Genoa

(jěn'o-ah.) [It. Genova.] An ancient city and seaport of Italy, formerly the C. of an independent duchy, but belonging to the present kingdom of Italy, of which it constitutes the commercial emporium. G. is full of marble palaces and churches; whence it has the name of Genoa the Proud. The land on which the city is built rises like an amphitheatre around the water's edge, more than 500 feet in height, so that its aspect from the se ais particularly grand and imposing. At the lower part of the acclivity are streets of white, showy houses, and higher up are numerous detached villas; while, behind all, at several miles distance, are seen the towering summits of the Alps. On the land side it is defended by a double rampart; and the harbor is protected by two forts. It has also a mole, 560 paces in length, 13 in breadth, and 15 feet above the level of the water. G. has manufactures of velvets, damasks, gold and silver ti ues, and paper; and the banking busine is a very profitable article of commerce. Pop. 127,986. [s. 400]