Rolli Palaces

Another unmissable visit in the centre of Genoa is Via Garibaldi, also known as “Strada Nuova” , even though it actually has over five centuries of history.
It is also called the “Golden Way” because over the past five centuries it has been home to architectural and artistic masterpieces of incredible value.

In fact, this area of the city contains the most beautiful and prestigious buildings in Genoa called “i Rolli” .

These magnificent buildings were the residences of the Genoese nobility, between 1500 and 1600. They were used, in the absence of a royal palace, to give hospitality to illustrious and high-ranking people who stayed in the city.

They are called with this name because the most prestigious residences were included in special lists, “the Rolli of public housing” , drawn up and kept up to date by the Republic of Genoa.

Within this register the palaces were divided into three categories, each of which was associated with a certain category of guest.

• the first category: cardinals, princes and viceroys;
• the second category: feudal lords and governors
• the third category: princes and ambassadors.

Today some of these buildings are private residences, others are municipal offices, offices or banks.

Three of these are museums that can be visited, the Strada Nuova museums are:

Breathtaking atriums, wonderful stairways, large internal courtyards and wonderful lounges await you.

The Municipality of Genoa organizes the Rolli Days three times a year, weekends in which the buildings are open to the public and can be visited entirely.

For information: palazzideirolli.it