Originally an area of orchards and vegetable gardens, this district was chosen between the 16th and 17th centuries by noble families for their mansion houses, before they moved to more fashionable neighbourhoods. Since then, Via del Campo has become a hideaway for bootleggers and prostitutes, both recurring characters in some of Genoese singer-songwriter Fabrizio De André’s best known songs.
Visitors usually come here to see Emporio 29rosso, once a record shop owned by Fabrizio’s great friend Gianni Tassio. Emporio 29rosso has now become the “home of Genoese singer-songwriters” and is used for creative workshops and events focusing on music and poetry.
The sounds of Faber’s music – this was De André’s nick-name – float out of this shop-cum-museum into the street, while original covers of all his records are displayed in the window.
Auctioned by De André’s family to raise money for the NGO Emergency, and bought by Gianni Tassio with the support of fellow street residents and many other Genoese, his Esteve guitar is now on display inside.
Remains of the most ancient history of this street are the 13th-century Piccamiglio Tower and the diminutive Piazza Vacchero with the so-called Scourging Pillar, erected after the capital punishment of Giulio Cesare Vacchero, who plotted against the Republic in 1628.
Via del Campo ends at the town gate Porta dei Vacca, which derives its name from the noble family that lived within. This gate marked the western town boundary for many years.