The magnificent Genovese residences of the 1500s, Guided tour of the Palazzi dei Rolli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

This itinerary opens the doors to several of the city’s sumptuous residences, built by Genoa’s wealthiest, most powerful families during the Golden Age (between the 16th and 17th centuries); they have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006.

This network of private dwellings served a unique representative role through their inclusion in the “Rolli”, an official list of public lodging palaces for state visits. Kings, princes, diplomats and ambassadors – all guests of State of the Republic of Genoa – once found hospitality in these residences.

These luxurious, elegantly decorated dwellings did not fail to catch the eye of refined artists such as the great Flemish painter Rubens, who in the early 1600s published a collection of drawings of the palaces, which he regarded as model examples of noble dwellings.

The tour begins in the entrance hall of Palazzo Rosso, at Via Garibaldi 18.

Some of the buildings you will visit are open exclusively for this tour: Palace Nicolosio Lomellino (private residence) and Palazzo Tobia Pallavicino (Chamber of Commerce), where you will have access to the Golden Gallery.