See The Majestic UNESCO Monuments
The stunning Palaces of the Rolls in Genoa, Italy are a proud part of the city’s heritage and culture. Dozens of beautiful stately homes here are UNESCO listed. If you plan on going to Genoa, take a stroll to see the architectural splendour of these majestic monuments in the historic part of the city, a real highlight not to be missed.
You can easily include Genoa in your trip to Italy, accessible from many major tourist spots. I spent a few days in this delightful part of the country after visiting Cinque Terre, La Spezia and Milan, and loved everything about this gorgeous seaside city. I’m sure you will too.
The Palazzi dei Rolli of Genoa are the city’s most significant tourist attraction and a Unesco World Heritage Site. They are scattered around the city but a number of the palaces are found in one elegant district. Many of these splendid palatial buildings are gathered in one location.
These palaces served an important and unique function for the international diplomatic community. What does this mean?
An unusual urban system of lodging and hospitality for important guests of the state was created here, a first in Europe, whereby the exclusive residences belonging to the nobility were used as VIP accommodation. A curious concept which was put in place in the absence of a royal court in Genoa which would normally host official guests, as in other kingdoms.
The Genoese Aristocrats
The Republic of Genoa in the 1500’s was a maritime power in Europe and the city was flourishing. Certain families became super wealthy amassing their fortunes from trade, banking and building ships.
These Genoese aristocrats decided they wanted to build their lavish homes next to each other, in an exclusive avenue, near the medieval centre and close to the port.
There were 4 main elite families of Genoa at the time – Spinola, Grimaldi, Doria, Fieschi. Many of the palaces bear these names.
They were given permission to build their palatial homes to create their own prestigious district. But in return they were obliged by Genoa’s Senate in 1576, to host important visiting dignitaries, such as princes, lords and cardinals, at their private palaces and in so doing display Genoa’s exquisite wealth and power to the world.
The Rolli System
The prestigious palaces were each categorised on an official list, a roll, according to their suitability for particular distinguished guests. The more important the guest, the more luxurious the palace they lodged in.
For the powerful families, it was considered a privilege to be part of the Rolli system.
They had to fund the cost of accommodating the dignitaries themselves.
The UNESCO Palaces of The Rolls
Dozens of palaces located in the historic part of the city, 42 palaces to be exact, that used to belong to the nobility from the 16th to 18th centuries, are now part of the UNESCO world heritage listing.
The Renaissance and Baroque style architecture of the mansions is stunning. All of them have 3 or 4 stories, hidden gardens within the grounds, courtyards, balconies, fountains, lavish halls and atriums, and are richly decorated throughout with splendid art and frescoes.
The exterior facades of marble, elaborate gilded features and embellished family crests are beautiful.
Many have been preserved as they were originally.
Via Garibaldi
The main road is Via Garibaldi, an impressive thoroughfare of palaces. Definitely a highlight of the city. Here you will see wall-to-wall palaces. There is 14 palaces in total here.
The street is 250m long, but very narrow, mainly for pedestrians, and is shadowed by the immense buildings, built shoulder to shoulder on either side.
The road was initially named Strada Nuova (New Street). Other Strade Nuove in the city are Via Balbi and Via Cairoli, with grand palaces also.
Take a stroll down Via Garibaldi. Admire the beauty of these historic mansions. There are many cafes and ice cream shops along the road to enjoy as well.
Visit The Palazzi dei Rolli
Some of the palaces are now art galleries, museums, banks and offices, and are open for you to visit all year round.
The most notable palaces in Via Garibaldi are Palazzo Doria Tursi, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso. These form the Strada Nuova Museum Complex, bursting with paintings, frescoes, famous artefacts and masterpieces on exhibition.
Other palaces are private residences, which only open during the Rolli Days. This is a regular event held a few days per year, celebrating the palaces in all their glory. During these days the public can visit some of the mansions and view the opulence of the interiors, adorned with art frescoes and antique furnishings, and relive the magnificent history of the Rolli.
Rolli Days: Usually held in May and October. Check website for details.
Location: The main street of the Palaces of the Rolls is called Via G. Garibaldi, where there are 14 palazzi together.
Cost: Walking the street is free. Some palazzi are free to enter. Others cost a few euros.
iPhone App: There is a handy Palazzi dei Rolli Genova App which you can download here.
Map: Check this map to see where all the Palazzi dei Rolli are located.
Recommended Tours of Genoa and Palaces of The Rolls HERE
I recommend you visit the Palazzi dei Rolli in Genoa for yourself if you are planning a trip to Northern Italy.
Let me know what you think.
Ciao.
Snazzy Trips
Accommodation
I booked my accommodation through Booking.com and I was very happy. The apartment was huge, clean, well appointed and had fabulous views of the city and sea, as you can see here.
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Amazing photos! I got the impression that I visited Genoa when I read your blog! Super virtual trip! Thanks!
Genoa seems like an interesting place! I will definitely going to add it to my list for my next trip to Italy. Thank you for sharing
Genoa would be such a historic place for us to visit! All the palaces are giving us some serious royal envy! Will def save this pin for our Italian adventure
Genoa looks absolutely stunning! For some reason it never made it on my itinerary when in Italy. Your post convinced me to definitely visit if I make it there again. Ah, and the pictures you take are truly breathtaking!
I absolutely love your pictures. They’re as inviting and attractive as your smile. Thank god you’re not a travel agent coz I’d have been looted otherwise 😛
Architecture in Genoa is so gorgeous. These streets are marvelous, I wish I could go on a long walk in here.
I’ve been to Italy quite a few times, but never included Genoa on my itinerary. Definitely need to fix this during my next visit. The architecture looks stunning, especially all those details on the ceiling of Palazzo Pantaleo Spinola!
These are beautiful palaces, I would love to visit genoa someday. You have clicked amazing pictures.
The Palace of the Rolls in Genoa look so spectacular. Hope to get there some day. As of now we have just visited Rome, Venice, Florence, and Pisa.
Beautiful architecture + interesting history! What a win! I really appreciated the context for these ornate structures. Hosting visitors doesn’t sound like too bad a price to pay to live there ?. Thanks for sharing. When I make it back to Italy Genoa is now on going to be on my agenda.
That’s some crazy amount of palaces to choose from! I’d never considered visiting Genoa but you definitely inspired me! Thanks for this great tip!
The history behind this was so interesting! The Genoese aristocrats building their palatial homes, which also would serve as guest houses – they truly were a wealthy lot! The grandeur of the buildings certainly proves that too.
Wow the palaces all look AMAZING! I’d never be able to choose! ??
Wow, those photos are wonderful. I am glad they still allow photography on the inside. We have been in quite a few palaces and other historic buildings where no photography was allowed in several rooms or at all.
You have me wanting to head back to Italy and explore more! Thanks for sharing this information. Definitely pinning for later!
Wow! I absolutely love all the architecture in Genoa. The streets look so charming and inviting! I hope to visit one day, great read :).
What a stunning city! Thanks for the information!
Wow!!! These are incredible! I am definitely going to see these. I haven’t yet been to Genoa and didn’t know about these palaces. Fantastic info. I cannot wait to go!! Thank you. Great post!
Great Information. Very interesting. I will add this to my bucket list the next time i visit Italy.such a beautiful town.