Are you planning a visit to Genoa and curious to discover the Palazzi dei Rolli? Are you wondering why they are called that, which are the most beautiful, and how to visit them?
You’re in the right place.
In this article, we will accompany you on a journey of discovery through the Strade Nuove and the Palazzi dei Rolli complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006.
Our guide will be Andrea Canepa, official tour guide of Genoa, who will tell us about the history, interesting facts, and practical tips to make the most of this unique experience.
Ready to embark on a journey into the heart of Renaissance Genoa? Let’s get started!
Why are the Palazzi dei Rolli called that?
Today, the Palazzi dei Rolli in Genoa often appear in television programs and tourist guides, especially since their inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2006.
But what exactly does the word “Rolli” mean?
The term derives from the French rôle and the Late Latin rotulus, both meaning “list” or “scroll.”
The Rolli were in fact the official registers in which the Republic of Genoa, starting in 1576, had recorded the residences of noble families intended to host high-ranking personalities visiting the city.
Before discovering the most famous palaces together, it is useful to understand their original function: they were not simply private residences, but places of representation that expressed the prestige, wealth, and international openness of La Superba.
What are the Palazzi dei Rolli?
The Palazzi dei Rolli were established by the Republic of Genoa in 1576 as an official hospitality system for prominent figures visiting the city.
In practice, when popes, kings, princes, ambassadors, or papal legates arrived in Genoa, they were welcomed not in public buildings, but in the residences of the most powerful aristocratic families, who were required to provide them with food and lodging.
It was an extraordinarily innovative system for its time, so much so that it can be considered a precursor to modern hotel classification. The buildings were divided into three categories, based on the rank of the guest who could stay there:
- First category (or “bussolo maggiore”): reserved for popes, sovereigns, emperors, and papal legates.
- The other categories, gradually lower in rank, were intended for nobles of lesser rank, dignitaries, or prestigious figures.
According to documents from that period, there were over 160 buildings registered in the Rolli.
Today, there are 42 recognized as historical heritage sites, some of which are still accessible to the public.
However, it is not always possible to visit them: many house offices, credit institutions, or private residences, and only some are open to the public on a regular basis.
For those who want to discover this extraordinary heritage, we recommend starting from Via Garibaldi (the ancient Strada Nuova), where most of the first-class residences are concentrated.
Here you can admire some of the most famous Palazzi dei Rolli, authentic architectural masterpieces that recount the grandeur of Renaissance and Baroque Genoa.
Which Rolli palaces can be visited? The list
It is not easy to determine precisely which Palazzi dei Rolli are accessible: many are now offices, banks, or private properties, while others have been converted into museums or are open to visitors on special occasions.
To help you find your way around, we suggest an itinerary along Strada Nuova, now known as Via Garibaldi, which has the highest concentration of first-class residences and represents the heart of the Rolli system.
Here are some of the most representative buildings:
Tobia Pallavicino Palace (now Doria Palace)
Via Garibaldi 4
Photo by Genova Golosa
Built in 1561 at the behest of Tobia Pallavicino, a magnate in the alum trade, it is one of the earliest examples of great Genoese Renaissance architecture. The work of architect Giovanni Battista Castello is characterized by stuccoes, grotesques, and frescoes inspired by Raphael. In the 18th century, Giacomo Filippo Carrega enriched the palace with the splendid Galleria degli Specchi (Hall of Mirrors) and the private chapel. Since 1922, it has been owned by the Chamber of Commerce.
Angelo Giovanni Spinola Palace
Via Garibaldi 5
Built on the most prestigious lot on the street, it was commissioned by banker Angelo Giovanni Spinola and included in the first category of buildings since 1576. It is striking for the majesty of its frescoed rooms and its façade decorated with scenes celebrating the family. In recent times, it has housed the Deutsche Bank; today it is entirely private.
Nicolosio Lomellino Palace
Via Garibaldi 7
Inaugurated in 1569, it belonged to Nicolosio Lomellino, who made his fortune trading coral from Tabarca. Its façade is the only one on Via Garibaldi to be completely decorated with stucco work, which continues inside and in the hanging garden with its panoramic loggia. Today, although privately owned, the palace is open for visits and cultural events.
Palazzo Nicolò Grimaldi (Palazzo Tursi)
Via Garibaldi 9
Commissioned by the powerful Nicolò Grimaldi, known as “the Monarch,” it features monumental staircases in Carrara marble and pink Finale stone, and large terraced courtyards. Since 1850, it has been the seat of the Municipality of Genoa and, together with Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco, is part of the Civic Museums. Inside, it houses the famous Paganini violin, a gift from the musician to the city.
Palazzo Brignole Sale (Red Palace)
Via Garibaldi 18
Built at the end of the 17th century, it now houses a museum that magnificently recreates the atmosphere of noble residences. Its frescoed halls feature works by masters such as Van Dyck.
Palazzo Luca Grimaldi (White Palace)
Via Garibaldi 11
Built in 1540 and renovated in the 18th century, it became the property of the Brignole Sale family and is now home to the Pinacoteca Civica, with masterpieces by Caravaggio, Rubens, Van Dyck, and other great masters. An archaeological trail connects the rooms to the nearby Palazzo Tursi, passing over the remains of the medieval church of San Francesco.
How to visit the Palazzi dei Rolli in Genoa?
The Palazzi dei Rolli are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tell the story of the grandeur of Renaissance and Baroque Genoa.
Some can be visited freely, others only on special occasions such as the Rolli Days, while for a complete and in-depth discovery, a visit with a licensed tour guide is recommended.
For information and customized tours:
Andrea Canepa – Official Tourist Guide
Website: guidaturisticagenova.it
Email: canepaandrea@ymail.com
Mobile: +39 333 3003463
Conclusioni
The Palazzi dei Rolli are not only splendid aristocratic residences, but also a symbol of the greatness and international role that Genoa was able to achieve over the centuries.
Walking along Via Garibaldi or participating in the Rolli Days means immersing yourself in a history of art, power, and hospitality that still fascinates visitors from all over the world today.
Whether you choose to visit them on your own or accompanied by a tour guide, the Palazzi dei Rolli will offer you an unforgettable experience: a true journey into the heart of the Superba.
