Porta Soprana & Columbus House
Porta Soprana e Casa di Colombo
A twin-towered gate of the 12th-century medieval walls, beside a small stone house said to be where Columbus spent his childhood.
Porta Soprana was built in 1155 and is the main gate of Genoa's medieval walls. Two semicircular towers flank the pointed-arch gateway, which was used to defend against Barbarossa's attacks. Not far below the gate is the Columbus House, a small stone house rebuilt on its original site in the 18th century. Records say Columbus's father lived here, and it has a few displays inside. Nearby are the remains of the cloister of the Sant'Andrea monastery. The gate is open for climbing at times, with a separate ticket required.
Opening hours
Exterior open all day; former residence and tower climb approx. 10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Piazza De Ferrari
- Chiesa del Gesù
- Palazzo Ducale
- Teatro Carlo Felice
- Piazza San Matteo
- Genoa Cathedral (San Lorenzo)
- Via XX Settembre & Mercato Orientale
- Musei di Strada Nuova