Guided tour of the aristocratic Rolli Palaces in Genoa

Genoa, the pride of wealthy merchants and large aristocratic families. It was these families that built, during the Golden Century, between 1500 and 1700, the splendid palaces and residences that this tour will let you discover and that have been part of UNESCO heritage since 2006. The Palazzi dei Rolli are named from the registries of public hospitality: it was in these private homes, that were later made public, in fact, where monarchs, princes, diplomats, and guests of the State of the Republic of Genoa lived throughout the years.

The tour starts from Palazzo Rosso's lobby letting you discover the mansion that inspired the Flemish painter Rubens, who noticed the luxurious and elegant decorations and published, at the beginning of the 17th century, a collection of the palace's designs as a model of housing for the nobility.

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.