Via di Sottoripa
Via di Sottoripa
About
Intended as an arched breakwater to protect the houses from the sea (the name Ripa - bank- is in fact a contracted form of Ripa Maris), the road was built in 1133-34, on the strength of a decree by the Advisers to the Republic who ordained the height, measurements, type of roofing and materials to be used. After the gradual enclosing of the port, which considerably reduced the possibility of sea damage, the porticoed walkway became a real market area, which is constantly used, flanked by almost a kilometre of picturesque boutiques. Over the centuries, the 'Palazzata' of the Ripa has become a symbol of strength and identity of the Genovese people to all those who arrive here by sea. Sottoripa has retained its atmosphere of a historic market with goods imported from all over the world, so that you can buy anything from an imperial duck, sharks fins, Chinese wine, vine leaves, olives and ouzo from Greece, lentils from Egypt and cous-cous from North Africa.
