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International Art Treasures Web Magazine September 2003 |
Genoa: European Union's Capital of Culture in 2004
Genoa, Italy, the European Capital of Culture 2004 has surpassed all possible expectations with the efforts undertaken to showcase the city and her culture for her banner year. The organizers have two goals: first to publicize Genoa' cultural identity with her numerous identities: the port city, industrial, cultural and tourist themes. Secondly Genova-2004 will demonstrate the city's urban renewal and cultural benefits on a national, international and citywide levels. Giuseppe Pericu Mayor of Genoa and President of the “Genoa 2004” Committee says in his welcoming message. “The decision made by the Governments of the European Union ... to designate Genoa “European Capital of Culture” for the year 2004 is an acknowledgment of the city's outstanding cultural worth. 2004 will be a propitious occasion for re-evaluating our cultural heritage in its broadest sense (including arts, knowledge, sense of community), for showcasing our points of excellence, with an emphasis on study and scientific research.” Genova-2004 “The Voyage” is the overriding theme of over 100 events planned throughout next year. The voyage is not limited to Genoa as a port city, but as a pilgrimage for first timers to experience the vast cultural and art riches within the city. The Voyage is split into three distinct thematic branches with each event falling under either Genoa City of Art; Genoa Capital of the Sea or Genoa Contemporary City. Mayor Pericu adds, “It will be a significant opportunity for redefining our future identity, so that Genoa's port, business, industry and high technology activities can co-exist in harmony with tourism and cultural activities. We must keep in mind that it is only through cultural works and scientific research that the project for development of our city can take hold. This means being a European Capital of Culture in 2004 and beyond.” Genoa is not one of the major tourist destinations in Italy, and yet the city has much history and culture to offer. Genoa 2004 should help change this image, especially with the new structures, or change of use to merge the old architecture with new exhibitions and displays. Genoa City of ArtThe port city is home to several museums and art galleries. Many are located on Via Garibaldi, the one street that should not be overlooked in any art lover's travel plans. It is the City of Art theme that hosts the preeminent event of the entire Genoa 2004 European Capital of Culture Program The Age of Rubens: Genovese Homes, Patrons and Collectors. Genoa has over twenty museums that house important art collections and have been networked together so through the purchase of one visitor card access is granted to all of them. As Mayor Pericu observes, “The city of Genoa is teeming with activity, thinking of its leading role in Italy and the world after profound changes that are still ongoing in its economic and social fabric. Home to great navigators, land of trade and mercantile activity, glorious Maritime Republic, Genoa has passed through its 'Golden Age,' during which it beautified its streets with sumptuous buildings, decorated its palaces with frescoes, embellished its churches, villas and museums with great works of art. Artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Strozzi, Cambiaso, Piola, De Ferrari created many of their masterpieces here.” The port city lies in what is popularly known as the Italian Riviera, in a region called Liguria. In fact Genoa was once the capital of Ancient Liguria. Narrow streets add to the allure of the beautiful city. One walks through history during a stroll in the city and there is so much to experience in Genoa. Whether one's interests are architecture, art, nature or a combination of all three, Genoa provides spectacular imagery to whet one's aesthetic appetite. A trip is not complete without a visit to the harbor of Genoa, a city on the sea, and the breathtaking views provided. The city has historical importance as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and the occasional home to both Rubens and Van Dyck. During 1528 to 1563 thanks to the efforts of Andrea Doria, Genoa was at the forefront of development in architecture, painting and sculpture along with international finance. This gave rise to the moniker “century of the Genovese.” Many of these creations are still visible in modern Genoa. Historical significance and cultural importance often intertwine within the architectural splendor of Genovese buildings. Palazzo San Giorgio an architectural masterpiece was briefly Marco Polo's prison. It is believed that this was where Marco Polo dictated what was to become “Il Milione”, the account of his travels to his fellow prisoner Rustichello da Pisa. Christopher Columbus and Marco Polo, two of many important historical figures that have ties to Genoa. San Lorenzo Cathedral stands out given its alternating black and white stone façade. Inside are magnificent frescoes including one by Giovanni Battista. The Cathedral has a chapel named for St. John the Baptist that houses the urn reputed to be one that originally contained the ashes of John the Baptist. Every June 24th a casket that allegedly contains the ashes of St. John the Baptist is paraded through the streets of Genoa before returning to the usual home the Museo del Tesoro di San Lorenzo, also known as the treasury. Any visitor to Genoa should schedule into their itinerary ample time to visit the National Gallery housed in the Palazzo Spinola on Via Garibaldi. History is not without irony the Palazzo is named for the Spinola family, though it was actually built by their arch rivals the Grimaldi. The Gallery of Mirrors, the frescoes and the Baroque furnishings are worth the visit alone, not to mention the incredible collection of paintings. It is in the Palazzo Spinola that one will find the powerful imagery of Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo and Ruben's Equestrian Portrait of Giovanni Carlo Doria.
Liguria is known for its painted façade architecture and this is prevalent in Genoa. The streets are very narrow and with limited space available for architectural attributes. It is believed that the use of painted facades grew in popularity to add uniqueness to the city given its space limitations. Genoa: Capital of the SeaGenoa earned the honor of being European Capital of Culture 2004 in 1999 and has been planning ever since. The plans even include opening new museums. The most notable opening will be a museum which celebrates Genoa as a port city. Museum of Sea and Navigation
The Genovese have been leaders in technology, industry and research. For this reason, the city has also planned a Festival of Science. Genoa: Contemporary City – Harmony in the cityArts and Architecture celebrates Genoa as a modern city. Genoa has gone through a renewal project to prepare for its glory year. The exhibition will be an excursion through contemporary life with the relationship between architecture and the visual and performing arts. The International Congress of Educating Cities has an initiative to provide an opportunity for moral, cultural and social growth of European cities. One of the key exhibits will be Urban Regeneration focusing on the European experience of urban renewal. The three themes: City of Art, Capital of the Sea and Contemporary City will be the basis of events throughout 2004 as Genoa celebrates its designation as European Capital of Culture. Yet this is not a designation held solely by Italy for 2004. Lille, France and Genoa, Italy were designated by the European Union as the European Cities of Culture--2004. Each city embraces the opportunity to work together and share exhibitions and art. Both cities plan an exhibition dedicated to Rubens. On an annual basis, the European Union designates which European countries will host the EU Capital of Culture for a specific year. The chosen countries in turn designate which of their cities will host the EU Capital of Culture for that year. Genoa, Italy and Lille, France were honored in 1999 with both cities being designated European Capital of Culture for 2004. In the future starting in 2005, there will only be one city per year selected for this honor. In a wonderful and immediate spirit of cooperation and coordination Genoa Mayor Giuseppe Pericu and Lille Mayor Pierre Mauroy prepared an Agreement for Collaboration back in May 1999. Each agreed the respective organizations in both countries and cities planning for 2004 would work together and joint projects would be initiated. Lille will be the subject of a future International Art Treasures edition. Genoa is certainly deserving of a visit anytime but particularly so in order to view the exhibitions planned for its celebration as European Capital of Culture 2004. |
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