you may know that genova (genoa), italy was a maritime republic whose economic power peaked during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. at that time, the genovese aristocracy developed a public network of private palaces to host state visitors. 42 of the palazzi dei rolli (palaces of the lists) are now unesco world heritage sites.
the renaissance and baroque palazzi share similar architectural and design elements. many of the buildings are three or four stories tall. the entrance halls have grand staircases. stuccos and frescos decorate the interiors. courtyards and loggias overlook the gardens.
during the first half of the 18th century, a dazzling hall of mirrors (galleria degli specchi) was added during a renovation of the palazzo stefano balbi (1643-1650), now the museo palazzo reale (royal palace museum). models included the galleria colonna (mid 16th century) at palazzo colonna in rome, the galerie des glaces (1679-1686) at chateau de versailles in france, and the galleria degli specchi (1730) at palazzo doria pamphilj in rome.
.jpg "IMG_0982")
domenico parodi (1672-1742) | galleria degli specchi | palazzo stefano balbi (palazzo reale) (1643-1650) | via balbi, 10 | genoa, italy
photo credit lisa walsh | innerspace
.jpg "IMG_1086 2")
rear facade | loggias | palazzo stefano balbi (palazzo reale) (1643-1650) | via balbi, 10 | genoa, italy
photo credit lisa walsh | innerspace
.jpg "Palazzo Reale")
rear facade | garden | palazzo stefano balbi (palazzo reale) (1643-1650) | via balbi, 10 | genoa, italy
photo credit visitgenoa.it
front facade | palazzo stefano balbi (palazzo reale) (1643-1650) | via balbi, 10 | genoa, italy
photo credit lisa walsh | innerspace
some of the rolli, like palazzo stefano balbi, are now occupied by public institutions. others are used as municipal or business offices. some have been converted into apartments. or, are still private residences.
some of the palazzi are only open to the public during rolli days, a bi-annual event in may and october. so, we planned a walking architectural tour of the rolli.
12 of the unesco accredited rolli are located on via garibaldi, le strade nuove (the new streets).
le strade nuove | via garibaldi | genoa, italy
photo credit lisa walsh | innerspace
palazzo agostino pallavicini (palazzo cambaiso pallavicini) (1558) | via garibaldi, 1 | genoa, italy
photo credit lisa walsh | innerspace
palazzo gio battista spinola (palazzo doria) (1563) | via garibaldi, 6 | genoa italy
photo credit lisa walsh | innerspace
palazzo nicolosio lomellini (1559-1565) | via garibaldi, 7 | genoa, italy
photo credit lisa walsh | innerspace
palazza lazzaro and giacomo spinola (palazzo cattarneo-adorno) (1583 and 1588) | via garibaldi 8-10 | genoa, italy
photo credit lisa walsh | innerspace
palazzo nicolo grimaldi (palazzo grimaldi-doria-tursi) (1565) | via garibaldi, 9 | genoa, italy
photo credit lisa walsh | innerspace
palazzo luca grimaldi (palazzo bianco) (1530-1540) | via garibaldi, 11 | genoa, italy
photo credit lisa walsh | innerspace
palazzo rodolfo and gio francesco brignole sale (palazzo rosso) (1671-1677) | via garibaldi, 18 | genoa, italy
photo credit lisa walsh | innerspace
did you know that via garibaldi 12, one of the most innovative modern design concept stores in europe, is located on le strade nuove?
via garibaldi 12 | palazzo baldassare lomellini (palazzo campanella) (1562) | via garibaldi, 12 | genoa, italy
photo credits lisa walsh | innerspace and via garibaldi 12
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
links to travel information:
unesco | le strade nuove (the new street) and the system of the palazzi dei rolli (palaces of the lists)
palazzi dei rolli | unesco and palazzi storici di genova (historical palaces of genoa)
museo palazzo reale (royal palace museum) | via balbi, 10
via garibaldi 12 design store | via garibaldi, 12