Piazza Embriaci

Piazza Embriaci in the historic center of Genoa is home to the Torre Embriaci, one of the few surviving towers in the city. Dating from the early 12th century, the structure stands 41 meters (135 feet) tall and is built of rusticated stone blocks that probably came from the old city walls. Its most distinctive feature is the crown of stacked, projecting rows of arches. The history of the site is closely tied to the Embriaco family, whose name also recalls their part in the First Crusade. Today the square is dominated by the Torre Embriaci and the neighboring Palazzo Giulio Sale, a former family property that was remodeled in the 17th century and still contains frescoes from that period.