A Taste of History. Exploring Genoa’s 19th Century

I am pleased to share details about "A Taste of History," a project that is significant to me and coincides with the upcoming 2025 celebrations in Genoa. This initiative seeks to illuminate the city’s lively nineteenth-century history and engage a broad audience in understanding its cultural heritage.

“A Taste of History” is developed with the Biblioteca Civica Berio, Genoa’s oldest and most esteemed library. Its objective is to narrate the story of Genoa during the 1800s in a manner that is both accessible and engaging for English-speaking audiences. By doing so, the initiative aims to foster a deeper appreciation of the city’s historical significance.

This effort draws inspiration from the “Assaggi di Ottocento” video series, created by food historian and essayist Umberto Curti. I adapted this concept and produced English-language content, transforming it into a series of visually compelling carousels published across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. This process has provided an opportunity to connect historical narratives with contemporary digital storytelling.

The series highlights ten key dates from 1814 to 1876, representing moments that showcase the contributions of writers, patriots, musicians, and gastronomes who helped shape Genoa’s cultural landscape. Through these stories, the project aims to transport viewers to a city navigating the crossroads between tradition and modernisation.

In the early 19th century, Genoa had a population of approximately 75,000 residents. Despite facing natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and health crises like cholera and the grippe, the city remained a hub of artistic, industrial, and technological activity. During this period, Genoa experienced significant growth: the development of new railway connections to Turin, expansion of port facilities, and the rise of industries such as glassmaking. Notably, industrialization even influenced local agriculture, allowing basil to be cultivated year-round.

Reflecting on this dynamic period offers valuable insights into Genoa’s evolution into the vibrant city it is today. It exemplifies resilience, innovation, and cultural vitality—qualities that continue to define the city’s identity.

In 2025, I invite you to explore Genoa’s rich past through our curated events, narratives, and visual materials. Join us in celebrating the individuals—writers, musicians, artisans—whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the city’s history. Together, let us examine this transformative era and honour its enduring legacy.

Further updates will follow, and I look forward to sharing this journey with all those interested in Genoa’s historical narrative.

1814 - Landings, popes, and sweet delights

1827 - Mazzini, Manzoni, droghe & coloniali

1834 - Journey to Maritime Liguria

1835 – La torta di Mazzini - Mazzini's cake

1839 - Paganini's ravioli

1847 - A national anthem and fancy Vienna bread

1851 - The Strength of Sacripante

1863 - Giobatta Ratto's “Cuciniera Genovese

1866 - Wars, patriots and chocolate

1876 – Coffeehouses and philosophers.