The childhood home of Cristoforo Colombo in Cogoleto

Casa di Colombo in Cogoleto is the childhood home of Cristoforo Colombo. The facade was decorated starting in 1650 by a descendant of the family, the priest Antonio Colombo. The house was visited by many illustrious figures, including the Princes of Savoy in 1857, as well as various poets and writers from around the world.

During his life, Cristoforo Colombo lived in numerous homes, often changing residences due to the movements of his father, Domenico Colombo. In his youth, he lived between his native Genoa, Savona, and Cogoleto. In his adult life, he spent time in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Americas, before finally returning to Spain where he died in Valladolid.

The Colombo family arrived in Savona in February 1470 from Genoa and stayed until at least 1484. They resided in the San Giuliano district, in a house that no longer exists. In Savona, Domenico Colombo worked as a weaver and a trader of wine and cheese. On August 19, 1474, he purchased a house, a vineyard, and a farm in Legino from Corrado da Cuneo. This building still exists today at via Belvedere n. 7 in the Commune of Savona.

During his adult years, Colombo stayed in several temporary residences, such as inns and huts, because of his frequent commercial travels and explorations. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, he stayed in a house behind the city cathedral in the historic Vegueta neighborhood. This building also served as a residence for the island's governors for five centuries. Today, it functions as a museum where courses and exhibitions are held.

In Valladolid, there is a small, humble house where Cristoforo Colombo died on May 20, 1506, in conditions of semi-poverty and Spanish hostility. This building has been restored and serves as a museum, featuring various relics of the navigator on display.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons