Genoa has always been a city that offers beauty and well-being, but also stories of extraordinary longevity. It’s no coincidence that many elderly people here reach—and even surpass—the milestone of 100 years, thanks to a winning combination of salty sea air, healthy eating, and above all, strong and loving family bonds.
It is within this context that the beautiful story of Annamaria Messina unfolds. She has just celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by the affection of her family. Originally from Calabria, Annamaria has managed to combine the tenacity of her southern roots with the reserved yet vibrant spirit of Liguria, becoming a shining example of integration and inner strength.
In Genoa, she found a home, a warm welcome, and a community that made her feel part of a social fabric which, despite its somewhat gruff exterior, hides a generous heart. Over her long life, Annamaria has been a central figure for her children and grandchildren—one of those grandmothers who, with just a glance, can convey wisdom, courage, and deep love.
Hers is the kind of story that deserves to be told, as it reminds us of the value of women from past generations—women who faced challenges with dignity and determination, building the future of new generations with a smile on their faces and hands always ready to help.
This heartwarming news was shared with us by Francesco Libello, who also has Calabrian roots but has long since adopted Genoa as his home. Deeply connected to the city that welcomed him, Libello is active in civic life and has shown, through his work in the field of sports, how civic engagement can stem from a strong sense of belonging. He is now running again in the upcoming local elections with Forza Italia, representing the voice of those who have chosen Genoa and live it every day with passion and responsibility.
Annamaria’s celebration was a moment of shared joy—not only within her family but symbolically as well: a tribute to all the women who, like her, have brought together the best of two seemingly distant worlds, blending them into a life full of meaning. And perhaps, the secret to Genoese longevity lies precisely here: in the ability to welcome others, intertwine cultures, and give back to the city stories like Annamaria’s—stories that illuminate the future with the strength and pride of the past.