Genoa is a beautiful city in northwestern Italy which is famed for its mouthwatering cuisine and mesmerising architecture. Wander through the city for any amount of time and you’ll spy examples of medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture. However, the real draw of the town remains its foodie scene. Genoa is nestled in the heart of the Liguria region, an area famed for its rich and fertile soil that is perfect for basil growing (the star ingredient in any traditional pesto).

Over the centuries (basil actually originated in Ancient times and was brought to Italy via spice trade routes in ancient times), the sweet green plant has been cultivated to the point that there is even a special basil plant, Basilico Genovese DOP, which is only grown in Liguria (and specifically the Genoa, Savona and Imperia provinces).