The Historical Heartbeat of Genoa: Prè

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore
  [pehr fah-voh-reh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryMi scusi
  [mee skoo-zee]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vyah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un medico!
  [kyah-mah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostSono perso
  [soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-reh-ee kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh trohp-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ore sono?
  [keh oh-reh soh-noh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Dieci e mezza
  [dyeh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [mah-ttee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [ee-eh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oht-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è il/la...?
  [doh-veh eel/lah]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Prè, located at the western edge of the historical center of Genoa, has roots that trace back to the Roman Empire. Initially known as 'Praedium,' the area was a critical hub for trade and maritime activities due to its proximity to the harbor. The strategic location facilitated the growth of commerce, which laid the groundwork for Genoa's emergence as a powerful maritime republic.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, Prè became increasingly important as Genoa established itself as a major maritime power. The area saw the construction of impressive Gothic architecture, including churches and palaces, which reflected the wealth and influence of the maritime republic. Notable structures from this era include the Church of San Giovanni di Prè, built in the 12th century, which served as a symbol of the community's resilience and prosperity.

The 19th century brought profound changes to Prè with the onset of industrialization. The area transformed into an industrial hub, with factories and shipyards emerging along the waterfront. This period marked a demographic shift as workers migrated to the neighborhood for employment opportunities, leading to a diverse and vibrant community. The architectural landscape evolved, incorporating industrial structures alongside older buildings.

Prè, like much of Genoa, suffered significant damage during World War II due to Allied bombings aimed at disrupting industrial production. Post-war reconstruction efforts were vital for revitalizing the area, leading to modernization while attempting to preserve its historical essence. The rebuilding process also sparked a cultural renaissance, as local artists and craftsmen sought to revive traditional practices and promote the rich heritage of the neighbourhood.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Prè experienced a cultural renaissance marked by the influx of artists and creative professionals. This revitalization has led to a renewed interest in the neighbourhood's history and architecture, with efforts to restore historic buildings and promote cultural events. However, gentrification has also become a concern, as rising property values and new developments threaten the traditional fabric and community of Prè.

Prè is conveniently located within Genoa and can be accessed via multiple transport options. The closest metro station is 'Darsena' on Line 1, which connects you to other neighborhoods like De Ferrari and Brignole. Buses also run frequently to Prè from various parts of the city, with lines 1, 3, and 20 being particularly useful. For those arriving by train, the Genova Piazza Principe station is a short walk or a quick bus ride away.

Prè is a compact neighborhood that is best explored on foot, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its historical architecture and vibrant street life. Public transport, including buses and the metro, is available for longer distances. Bicycle rentals are also an option, with several bike-sharing services operating in the area. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed from the street or booked via local apps.

Prè is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it has its less secure spots. Areas around the docks can be less safe at night, so it's advisable to avoid these after dark. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas, so keep your belongings secure and remain vigilant, especially in busy markets.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local police station is located nearby, and there are several hospitals and clinics in Genoa. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available, and many staff speak English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting churches or religious sites. Don't wear overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious customs, such as covering your shoulders when entering a church. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try traditional Ligurian dishes and local wines. Don't refuse food offers, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Prè like a local, visit the Mercato Orientale, a bustling market where you can find fresh produce and local specialties. Engage with shopkeepers and locals for recommendations on hidden gems in the area. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby historical sites, such as the Palazzo della Prefettura and the Church of San Giovanni di Prè. Lastly, try to learn a few basic Italian phrases; locals appreciate when visitors make an effort to communicate in their language.