Art and Ancient City Gates, Genoa

In good times arts are magical, and in tough times they are essential. That’s when you need them the most.
Art makes you human.
Bruce Dethlefsen, Wisconsin Poet Laureate

I love the beauty of this ancient gate, especially that painting catching the sun on the day I took this particular photograph. The lovely thing is that this particular gate takes me back to Paola’s place and so I passed through it daily.

Porta Soprana is one of Genova’s five medieval gates and it was constructed back in the 12th century to deter Emperor Barbarossa.

The Way Home ... when in Genoa

I love this gate called Porta Soprana.  It was built in the 12th century, with the help of the citizens of Genova, as the government of the time attempted to defend the independence of the city from Emperor Barbarossa.

However, Barbarossa apparently knew that he needed the people of Genova, with their rapidly developing economic and maritime strength, and he never attacked.  There was an oath of allegience and some levies instead.

And here I am, a 21st century woman, passing through Porta Soprana, goodness knows how many times on a given day as my wandering feet take me all over this Italian city that I love so well.
Source for historical information: the Genoa Guide (in English), published by Sagep Editori Turismo.