Perhaps few people know that the most famous and sought after violin-maker in the 1800s was Nicolò Bianchi of Genoa. His copies of antique string instruments were requested by musicians from all over Europe. A refined connoisseur of classic Italian musical instruments, one of his favorite models was a Guarneri del Gesù violin dating to1741. It was similar to the “Cannon” played by composer and internationally renowned musician, Niccolò Paganini, who also was from Genoa. Paganini’s violin can be seen at Palazzo Tursi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Musical instrument making is still an important tradition that is continued today in Liguria.