I mentioned once about the UNESCO in Genoa and it was here. Today I would like to delve into the most famous part of it: VIA GARIBALDI. It’s one of the most important “MUST SEE” when you visit Liguria! And I write about it after 9 years of blogging … but as they say: “better late than never”… here we go:
Strada Nuova
To mark the arrival of a “new era in Genoa”, a new street was built on the outskirts of the medieval city. Its name was Strada Nuova (New Street). On either side of it, land was marked out and then auctioned off to the most influential and wealthy families of Genoa.
Rolli Palaces
The Middle Ages were over, and the end of the Renaissance and the beginning of the Baroque marked these palaces’ architecture. Hence, the architecture of these palaces was also new in the city. The palaces had monumental entrances, spectacular staircases, and at least one “piano nobile” (patrician floor).
The word “rolli” meant “lists”. On these lists, at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, the most beautiful, richest and most representative palaces of Genoa were entered. The turn of these centuries was a period of incredible wealth for the Republic of Genoa.
The Senate of the Republic devised the idea to use this beauty and wealth and created lists (rolli), on which the city’s most beautiful and wealthiest palaces were listed. Then, when the visit of a significant person (pope, king, ambassador, bishop, etc.) was announced, the palace that had the duty (and privilege) to host such a person was drawn (!) And so the Republic of Genoa welcomed its guests during official visits.
UNESCO
Due to the uniqueness of the system and the wealth of palaces listed in the Rolli system, 42 of them were entered into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2006. It is worth emphasizing that 42 are only those that have survived in the best condition of our times. In the past, more than 100 palaces were listed on the Rolli lists (!).
Via Garibaldi
The already mentioned Strada Nuova was renamed via Garibaldi in the 19th century, and it is along it that 12 of the palaces inscribed on the UNESCO Heritage List are located. The rest are “scattered” through the city. Tourist information points have maps with a complete list of all the palaces … if you feel like looking for them … it’s worth it 🙂
Here below I will only list those that are located along via Garibaldi (by the way, these are the most famous ones) Let’s start:
1. Palazzo Cambiaso-Pallavicino
1558 The first palace was built on Strada Nuova. Inside beautiful frescoes and bas-reliefs have been preserved. Currently the seat of a bank. Closed to tourists. More info here.
2. Palazzo Spinola-Gambaro
1558 Inside a rich cycle of Baroque frescoes by the Carlone brothers. There is also a beautiful nymphaeum and hanging gardens. Currently a seat of a bank. Closed to tourists. More info here.
3. Palazzo Lercari-Parodi
1571 The facade stands out from the other palaces via Garibaldi with its glass loggia. Inside there are cycles of frescoes and baroque sculptures. It is currently the seat of an auction house. Closed to tourists. However, you can easily enter the courtyard and go up the monumental staircase to the first floor to admire the frescoes by the baroque Luca Cambiaso. More info here.
4. Palazzo Carrega-Cataldi
1558 One of the most important and beautiful Rolli palaces. Inside there are frescoes by G.B. Castello and Lorenzo de Ferrari. The Golden Gallery makes an incredible impression. Currently, the seat of the Genoese Chamber of Commerce. Visiting is possible during visits that are organised by the city of Genoa. More info here.
5. Palazzo Angelo Giovanni Spinola
1558 The frescoes on the facade are impressive (restored in 2024). The beautiful atrium has frescoes depicting members of the Spinola family. The palace is currently a bank. Closed to tourists. More info here.
6. Palazzo Gio Battista Spinola
1563 The only one of the Rolli’s palaces that was bombed and destroyed in the 17th century. Inside frescoes by painters Castello, Semino and Cambiaso. Beautiful atrium, monumental staircase and garden. Currently the seat of offices. Closed to tourists. More info here.
7. Palazzo Nicolosio Lomellino
1559 Tha fasade is the work of G.B. Castello. Inside frescoes of Bernardo Strozzi. A beautiful hanging garden with a fountain designed by Domenico Parodi. The palace is still private property and there are apartments inside (!). It is therefore close to visitors. However, guided tours of the garden are often organized. More info here.
8. Palazzo Lazzaro and Giacomo Spinola
1583 Characteristic is that it has two entrances and is divided in half because it was built for two Spinola brothers … a kind of twin home 😉 Inside frescoes by Lazzaro Tavarone. Currently, there are offices of private companies there. Closed to tourists. More info here.
9. Palazzo Baldassarre Lomellini
1562 Built in neoclassical style. Seriously damaged during World War II. Private property. Closed to visitors. However, it is possible to see the atrium and go up to the first floor, where there is a design shop (worth a look!). More info here.
10. Palazzo Doria-Tursi
1564 The largest of all the palaces is located via Garibaldi. Has a gigantic staircase, and an enormous courtyard. Since the end of the 19th century, the seat of the City Hall and the Civil Registry Office of Genoa. You can see the courtyard and staircase. Of course, the clerk’s offices are not available to visitors. A part of the palace became a museum. More info here.
11. Palazzo Brignole-Sale (Palazzo Rosso)
1675 Called the Red Palace because of its red facade. It houses one of the largest Pinacoteca in Genoa. It is a museum open to all visitors. It is possible, thanks to the last owner, Maria Brignole-Sale, who donated this palace to the city, including in the deed of donation a note that it should be open to the general public. More info here.
12. Palazzo Luca Grimaldi (Palazzo Bianco)
1530 Rebuilt in the 18th century with an entrance on via Garibaldi. It owes its name to its white facade. Palazzo Bianco together with Palazzo Rosso form the Musei di Strada Nuova. It is the oldest museum in Genoa. Inside is a rich collection of Italian, Dutch and Spanish paintings. More info here.
You might say that what’s the point of this list when only 2 of the 12 palaces are open to visitors … Well because about 4 times a year the City of Genoa organizes the so-called “Rolli Days” when palaces that are normally closed to visitors become open and you can see them! What’s more, we are not talking about only the palaces located via Garibaldi but about all 42 palaces inscribed on the UNESCO Heritage List. So this is a great opportunity! You can check the dates of Rolli Days here.
And if you like to visit them with a real, licenced tour guide I will be glad to show you and tell you much more about them! You know where to find me 😉 Click here!
