Genoa (Italian: Genova, English: Genoa), Italy's largest commercial port and important industrial center, the capital of Liguria and the province of Genoa in the same name. Located in the northwestern part of Italy, on the northern shore of the Gulf of Genoa in the Ligurian Sea. Genoa has a long history and was once the capital of the Republic of Genoa, the maritime hegemon. In 2004, Genoa was chosen as the Cultural Capital of Europe. Genoa is also home to the famous navigator Christopher Columbus and violinist Nikoro Paganini. Genoa and its coast along the Ligurian coast are famous tourist destinations.