Caruggi of Genoa

In the literary history dedicated to Genoa, the carruggi have always occupied a key place. The Genoese claim that the characteristic alleys of the historic center guard the soul of the Ligurian city.

Of medieval origin, the carruggi represent the heart of the historic center, a World Heritage Site. At the end of the colorful alleys unexpectedly open small squares overlooked by elegant palaces, which belonged to the Genoese nobility and have hosted important personalities throughout history. The Genoa of the carruggi is also the favorite part of the city for thousands of tourists, who devote the second part of their stay in the city to visiting the center.

Walking through the narrow alleys of the historic center one has the desire to get lost, as if it were a natural consequence of an itinerary only sketched out and leaving ample room for creativity. The mystery and beauty of the caruggi exerted an almost mystical fascination on Fabrizio De Andrè.

Songs such as La città vecchia, Via del Campo and Crêuza de mä tell in the unmistakable style of the singer-songwriter from Pegli the lived history of the alleys.< In the song La città vecchia, De Andrè recalls that, in the past, the carruggi were the cradle of organized crime in Genoa and a symbol of marginalization for many people.

Today, however, the narrow alleys of the old town are a source of inspiration for tales of yesteryear, where the Ligurian city is enhanced in a maze of emotions.