Multiple 16th-century sources describe Nervi as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, though his exact origins remain a matter of debate.

At the beginning of the century, it is mentioned as being surrounded with groves of olives, oranges and lemons, and beautiful gardened villas.

The collection also includes items related to the cultural history of Genoa and Liguria.

[10] The Museo Giannettino Luxoro features collections of clocks and watches from the 18th and 19th centuries, ceramics, furniture, and fine clothing in a restored villa.

Nervi is these days a busy and quite up-market residential area that is almost entirely apartments, many of which are older style buildings from the 19th century that have been converted from large middle-class houses.

There are many shops vying for business most of which sell good quality items especially the clothing and fashion outlets.