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 The fort which was defended by Foscolo |
Strada per i Due Fratelli Genoa 16100 Italy |
Building work was started by De Sicre, a Frenchman, in 1747 and finished by the sabaudo military engineers in 1832. It's main feature is a square tower with three levels and the remains of the walls supporting the ramparts around the fort. The Fratello Minore (literally baby brother) is on top of the Spino mountain, 622 metres above sea level. It's the end-point of many of the itineraries which leave from the centre of City wall Park and take you up to the villages at Begato and Geminiano. This is the only one of the two 'brothers' which has survived. The other was built nearby and underwent heavy fire in the fierce fighting with the Austrians during their siege in 1800. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Examinations under the frescoes |
Via Balbi, 4 Genoa 16126 Italy +39 0102099705 |
Built between 1618-20 to the designs of the architect Bartolomeo Bianco, this building houses several of the departments of the University's Faculty of Literature and Philosophy. The palazzo was planned with two floors of equal elegance, frescoed by D. Piola, V. Castello, G. and L. De Ferrari, D. Fiasella, since the two investors, Giacomo and Pantaleo Balbi, wanted to express the same level of prestige and opulence. The garden was established in the mid 17th century, finished off by the addition of a beautiful pond full of water lilies, which has been recently restored. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Defender of the city |
Via del Peralto Genoa 16136 Italy |
This dramatic fortress stands over the city, 475metres above sea level. It is one part of the Forte Sperone together with the Forte Castellaccio. Genova depended on this trio of forts to defend it. Built by Sheban military genius between 1819 and 1823, the Begato fort could hold 840 soldiers and 41,000 kg. of munitions in the powder store. It has a rectangular barracks, with robust buttresses on the corners and a large 'recinto a fuso'. At present this is the only fort which is involved in restoration works. The fort will host a museum of the history of Genovese fortifications and a history of music. There will also be a centre about the monitoring and safeguard of the territory. From the fort, there is a fantastic view of the historical city, the Polcevera valley and the western coast with its modern docks. For more information you should ask at the Comune di Genova City desk 2p-3p M-F. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dance at the fort |
Località Righi Genoa 16136 Italy |
The Castellacio is Genova's oldest military garrison. It is 360 metres above sea level, just behind some of the hilly districts of the city. The castellacio was originally set up in 1319 as part of the theatre of war between the Guelfi and the Ghibellini. Subsequently it was modified for use as a barracks and a powder store. It took its present shape as an independent fortified stronghold in 1823-26 when it was connected to the Sperone fort. The octagonal tower inside the courtyard was erected in 1820 and was subsequently used as a prison and a place for hangings (the Agony Gate road led here...). At present, the tower is used by the Navy as a centre to collect meteorological data. The rest of the fort has been converted into trattarias and discos. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fort |
Strada Militare fuori le Mura Genoa, Genoa 16010 Italy |
The Diamante fort is distinguished by its particular star-shape form. It is perfectly visible from the sky. The fort is the highest and furthest from the coast. It was built under the supervision of the Frenchman De Sicre in only two years, from 1756 to 1758, in a strategic position at the confluence of the Polcevera and Bisagno valleys. It has undergone few modifications in time since. 667 metres above sea-level, it is connected by a secret underground tunnel to the Forte Sperone. This fort represented the first bulwark of the city's defences against northern attackers. At present, it is not possible to visit inside due to many decades of decay. However, its lower bastions offer equally complete views of the city, the valleys and the Riviera. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The prince has returned to Genova |
Via San Benedetto, 2 Genoa 16126 Italy |
This palazzo, one of the most magnificent in the entire city, was built for Andrea Doria in the 16th century; interestingly, his descendants have recently taken up residency once more. It was built outside the city walls as an autonomous estate, endowed with its own private port, and a vast terraced garden spreading behind it. The palazzo was conceived as a celebration of the greatness of Andrea himself and Carlo V of Spain, with whom the admiral had close ties. Thanks to the artwork of Perin del Vaga, a painter of Roman extraction, and to the sculptures of T. Carlone and G. A. Montorsoli, this residence-museum, which still retains its original furnishings and paintings as selected by Doria and his heir, Giovanni Andrea, this palazzo represents one of the greatest achievements of 16th century architecture in Genova. It is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Not to be missed are the entirely frescoed Gallery of the Heroes, the Room of the Giants with its splendid fireplace, the Zodiac Room and above all the Gallery, where the rich tapestries depicting the Battle of Lepanto (1571) hang, commissioned by Giovanni Andrea from the Brussels school, based on cartoons prepared by L. Cambiaso and L. Calvi. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The city in a courtyard |
Largo Eros Lanfranco, 1 Genoa 16121 Italy |
Located on the corner of Via Roma and St Catherine's hill, this was built between 1541 and 1543 for the Admiral Antonio Doria, cousin of Andrea, presumibly designed by B Cantone and G. B. Castello, known as 'il Bergamasco'. The frescoed façade, today barely discernible, was painted by the Calvi school (16th century), while the splendid internal decorations are the work of F Calvi and the two Cambiasos: Giovanni and his son Luca. A visit to the split level courtyard is a must: it is one of the best examples of 16th century Genovese architecture, interestingly frescoed with the topographical plans of the major cities of the time. There are magnificent depicitions of Venice, Milan, Florence, Jerusalem, Anversa, Genova and Naples. Admission is free Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Colombus and Paganini in town |
Via Garibaldi, 9 Genoa 16124 Italy +39 10 55 7111 |
Located midway along the Via Garibaldi, this building outdoes all the other palazzi on the Strada Nuova in terms of its monumentality and size, occupying a space three times as large as all the rest. It is a great example of a Renaissance Genovese palazzo, designed by G. and D. Ponzello in the mid 16th century for Niccolò Grimaldi, known as the "Monarca" on account of his immense fortune. After Grimaldi's financial ruin, the palazzo was acquired by Giovanni Andrea Doria, the Duke of Tursi, and nephew to the great Admiral. The interesting facade, with stonework by Finale and grotesques by T. Carlone, the impressive entrance stairway, the galleried hall, the two side hanging gardens have all made this a wonderful location for the Genovese town council. Inside, in the Syndicate Office, there are several letters signed by Colombus: the "Codice dei privilegi" conceded to the explorer by Spanish royal command, and an urn containing some of his ashes, found in Santo Domingo in 1887. In addition, there is the famous Paganini violin, a Guarnieri del Gesù from 1742, which is played once a year by the winner of the competition for young violinists, the "Premio Paganini", which takes place in October along with the celebrations for Colombus. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Frances Forsyth |
 Photo: Alex Gambaro |
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Genoa's high tower |
Piazza Embriaci Genoa 16123 Italy +39 10 247 1831 |
Built in the twelfth century in the area of the powerful Embriaci family residences, this is the only city tower to have escaped the height reduction enforced by a community law in 1296 to abate the arrogance of the aristocratic families, expressed through ever higher towers. In memory of Guilgielmo Embriaco, known as "Hammer head", the hero of the First Crusade, the Republic conceded to his descendants the honour of conserving 80 hands over the regulated height for a tower, and a stone can still be seen today at the base of the tower confirming the mayor's concession. The tower, right next to the Palazzo Brignole Sale, is made in ashlar-work stone, and is hardly even crumbling. In 1923, the upper part was treated to a period of restoration, and the topmost stones were replaced with tiles. Not open to the public (private residence). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The gate to the old city |
Via del Campo Via delle Fontane Genoa 16124 Italy |
This gate corresponds in appearance to the Porta Soprana or of S.Andrea (XII secolo), (12th century). It was the main western access to the city, near the now destroyed St. Faith's church. Built at the same time as the walls to defend the city from invasion by the Barbarossa forces, it consists of two semi-circular towers, linked by a crenellated arch with sharp curves. In the eighteenth century these features were incorporated into the neighboring buildings. The name "Vacca" (cow) has a determined origin: it refers to the family who once lived there. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A sundial cannot be slow |
Salita San Francesco, 4 Piazza della Meridiana Genoa 16124 Italy |
This palazzo was built in the first half of the sixteenth century on the edge of the official 'historic centre', in an area which, after the advent of the nearby Strada Nuova, today the Via Garibaldi, would become extrememly prestigious. The choice of location and the magnificence of the building testify to the extraordinary wealth and foresight of the owner, G.B. Grimaldi, who like his contemporary Andrea Doria, adhered to the architectural models of Rome. Visitors once described it as "fit for a prince". However, the modifications carried out in the eighteenth century changed and deadened the entire building, through both superficial alterations, such as opening of the lower gardens onto the Via Nuovissima (now Via Cairoli), and more structural changes, in particular the addition of a covered terrace, designed by G. Brusco. At the beginning of the twentieth century Coppedé radically transformed the interior, covering the courtyard with a liberty skylight and altering the decoration in several rooms. After having been employed to several different ends (military hospital, Lloyd Sabaudo, College of music and various educational functions) it currently houses several council offices. The intruiging name given to both the palazzo and the piazza comes from the large sundial painted on the façade in the eighteenth century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A patron for the poor and the sick |
Piazzale E. Brignole Genoa 16125 Italy +39 10 2 4451 |
The building stands in a dominant position at the top of an impressive stairway and its imposing façade is unmistakable due to the large Genoese coat-of-arms (a red cross on a white background). It was built between the beginning and the middle of the seventeenth century under the patronage of Emanuele Brignole as one of the first charitable institution for the emerging poor in Italy. The quadrangular building has four courtyards which pivot around a church in the shape of a Greek cross. This allowed the various groups of sick people to follow the religious services from every part of the institution as they were divided according to sex and social position. Part of the building is currently used for long-term patients, and another part houses the Faculty of Political sciences. The large extent of land to the rear contains several nurseries and greenhouses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Home of the assassin of the republic |
Piazza Cavour - Varco Mandraccio Genoa 16128 Italy +39 10 21 1496 |
This 13th century building, which now houses commercial offices, is situated at the entrance to via del Molo, the last part of the macabre walk for the condemned prisoners on their way to be hung. Once past the house, the prisoners received the blessing of the Chiesa di S.Marco al Molo, and continued on their way towards the end of the old dock where all public executions were carried out until 1852 in full view of the Porta Siberia (o del Molo). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A street fit for a palace |
Campetto, 8 Genoa 16123 Italy |
This building, erected by Vincenzo Imperiale before 1560, is one of the greatest examples of self-promotion ever to be achieved in the old city by a Genovese noble at the height of his wealth and influence. To comprehend the importance of this building, with structural and stucco work by G. B. Castello, known as Il Bergamasco, and frescoes by L. Cambiaso, O. Semino and A. Ansaldo, you need only recall that by Royal command all the houses opposite the newly acquired palazzo were bought and destroyed to create a direct link to St. Lawrence's cathedral (today the Via Scurreria la Nuova). On the ground floor, in the entrance, there is an auction house, while on the upper floor there is the Pub Imperiale, decorated with beautiful frescoes and stucco work. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A neo-medieval castle in the Genoese hills |
Via Cabella, 15 Genoa 16122 Italy |
This castle was built by the Florentine architect G. Coppode' between 1896 and 1904 for the Scottish insurance broker E. Mackenzie. Well-built and picturesque, its towers, trenches, draw bridges, mosaics, pictures and elegant decoration in wrought iron all make it an eclectic work of art. It is a mixture of past styles such as medieval, early Tuscan Renaissance as well as pure Art Nouveau. After being abandoned in 1986 the castle passed into the hands of the American Mitchell Wolfson Jr, who took on its restoration to house the Italian headquarters for the Wolfsonian Foundation, a rich collection of over 7000 works of art dating from 1885 till 1945. A lot of attention is given to the applied arts as well as architecture. This collection is currently held elsewhere in anticipation of being moved. Visits by appointment only. Free consultation. The library includes a vast collection of futurist material as well as a whole section dedicated to Italian architectural and urban planning between 1920 and 1945. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Melanie Martinez |
 Photo: Melanie Martinez |
 Photo: Alexandra Müller |
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A medieval tower near the cathedral |
Via Canneto il Lungo, 23 Genoa 16123 Italy |
This is perhaps one of the oldest standing examples of an aristocratic residence, flanked by a graceful tower that dates from medieval times; once every noble family possessed an autonomous residence of this kind, from which they overlooked and surveyed the neighbouring streets and houses. Many of these towers have been knocked down for safety reasons, after an edict from the the Council, apart from the Torre degli Embriaci of the Piccamiglio tower; others have been surrounded by buildings, or converted to other uses, as happened to the tower near the Chiesa di S.Giorgio, which was transformed into a bell-tower. Built of hewn stone, without any crowning arches, the Maruffo tower stands in its original condition, above a loggia that is now closed off and adapted into an appartment. It is interesting to see that the wrought iron stairs still exist, enabling a quick climb to the top. Unfortunately, the palazzo is not open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The stock exchange originated here |
Piazza Banchi Genoa 16123 Italy |
Built between 1589 and 1595 following Andrea Ceresola's design, in front of the Chiesa di S.Pietro in Banchi, is one of the most representative buildings of Renaissance Genoa. Nowadays it is used as an exhibition centre. The Genoese proudly remember that the first Italian Stock Exchange began life here in 1855 before being transferred to the Palazzo della Nuova Borsa in Piazza De Ferrari. It is only open to the public when exhibitions are taking place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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An eclectic city stock exchange |
Piazza De Ferrari Via XX Settembre Genoa 16121 Italy |
This was designed by D. Carbone, and built between 1907 and 1912 as a substitute for the former site of the Loggia dei Banchi. The building retained its original function until 1998, when the glorious Genovese stock exchange, the oldest in Italy, closed its doors. It is characterised by its curved façade facing onto Via XX Settembre and Via Dante, as well as the very central Piazza De Ferrari. It still retains its decorative ornamentation created by A. Coppedé, dubbed "neo-baroque" due to the care taken in both the minute details and the monumental dimensions of the whole. The splendid eliptical trading room, with its adorned sky light, is worth seeing, as are the groups of sculptures outside, and the picturesque domes on the top, which today are the premises of an exclusive club. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The bread fortress |
Strada per i Due Fratelli Genoa 16100 Italy |
The fort was built by Sardinian military engineers between 1815 and 1828. It is based on a previous design. The Puin fort is the smallest and best preserved of the forts which made up the nineteenth century defensive network of the city. It owes its name to a corruption of the Italian word for bread 'pane'. The fort was evidently used as a store for provisions. It is made up of a central square tower, surrounded by a rare star-shaped defensive wall. Five pentagonal bulwarks give it a very dramatic effect. At 500 meters above sea level, it has beautiful views looking over the City wall park. The fort has been used by the Comune both as a place to watch for fires as well as a meeting point and shelter for groups during excursions and guided tours. For further information you should contact the comune di Genova City desk 2p-3p M-F. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful frescoes in 13th-century palace |
Piazza Caricamento Via Frate Oliverio Genoa 16124 Italy |
The palazzo was the seat of the city's power at the time it was built, between 1260-62. It was then transformed into a customs office, housing the powerful St. George's Bank for four centuries, before it moved to its current location at the Autorità Portuale. It consists of two distinct parts, of which the medieval element was restored by d'Andrade in the 19th century, while the lively frescoes in the 16th-century wing have been only recently cleaned and restored, according to the original designs. Inside, apart form the beautiful 17th-century statue of the Virgin Mary in the courtyard, it is worth noting the momument to Francesco Vivaldi, the rich 14th-century merchant who invented the moltiplico (modern cumulative interest) and the five marble chests (one for each bank office) in which the so called lettere orbe, or anonymous indications of the malfunctioning of the various offices, were put. The Venetian Marco Polo was a prisoner of the Republic of Genova, dictated his famous "Milione" here, to Rustichello form Pisa. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Massimo Strazzeri |
 Photo: www.locomotivagroup.net |
 Photo: Tim Brown |
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Built by Antonio Roderio |
Via del Molo Genoa 16128 Italy |
This gate was built in 1553, in a Doric style by Antonio Roderio, to the designs of Galeazzo Alessi. It completed the walls which closed the city away from the sea, and is an extraordinary example of military architecture. The unusual name 'Siberia' has no geographic references but instead derives from the term 'Cibaria': in fact, the gate stands near the former grain warehouses which replenished the supplied of ships in port. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.locomotivagroup.net |
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Fort summer shows |
Via del Peralto Genoa 16136 Italy |
The Sperone fort is the most impressive and remarkable of the Genovese fort. It was also one of the most important strategically. It was built at the peak of the 1663 'new walls' as the key-point of the nineteenth century fortifications. The fort was started in 1747 and strengthened by Brusco up to 1794. During the Napoleonic period it was enlarged. The Sperone fort owes it present appearance to the restoration works which were carried out by the Sardinian government between 1815 and 1827. The entire structure has a very interesting scenic look thanks to its very varied and complex architecture. The Savoy crest of arms is above the entrance. The entrance is protected by a moat and a very strong door. There is also a very interesting powder store in the lower part of the fort, the central barrack building and a beautiful chapel. On a clear day, the view is fantastic: you can see the valley of Polceverea, the Bisagno Valley and the stretch of the Appenines from the Park at Monte Beigua up to Monte Antola. For several years now, during the summer, the fort, with its hundred rooms, has been the site of a charming and unusual series of theatre shows and other displays. For further information contact the comune di Genova - city desk- 2p-3p M-F. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrea Puggioni |
 Photo: Andrea Puggioni |
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A successful example of self-promotion |
Piazza Fontane Marose, 6 Genoa 16124 Italy |
Built by Giacomo Spinola in 1445-59, at the top of Via Luccoli, a noble 14th century residential district, the palazzo faces the Piazza Fontane Marose, once an arena for tournaments, and today an important link between Via Garibaldi and Via XXV Aprile. It is characterised by a black and white façade, an honour reserved solely for the four principal families of the city (Doria, Spinola, Fieschi and Grimaldi). The palazzo anticipated by almost a century the Genovese trait of building up onto the hillside behind, exploiting the slope and giving rise to unexpected internal gardens, ponds and terraces. The opening of the Via XXV Aprile in the nineteenth century and the subsequent lowering of the level of the piazza, as well as the twentieth century restorations, especially the 'medieval revival' cleaning, produced the current building which however retains all the noble characteristics of the original. The five late medieval statues on the facade were intentional self-promotion by the Spinola family. They were made by the Bissoni family, Lombard sculptors active in Genova between the end of the sixteenth and the beginning of the seventeenth centuries. This building is not open to the public as it is the headquarter of a bank. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: matteo cavallino |
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Eleven centuries of documents |
Via Tommaso Reggio, 14 Genoa 16123 Italy +39 10 246 8373 |
It is linked to the two most important buildings in Genoa, the Cattedrale di S.Lorenzo and the Palazzo Ducale, by means of hanging bridges. It was built in 1581 as the Palazzetto Criminale, or the predecessor to the modern prisons. 1881 saw the transfer here of the State Archives of the Republic of Genoa, one of the most important and oldest archives in the whole of Italy. Much of the wealth of documents inside remains undiscovered. One of these documents is a manuscript dating back to 952 AD which tells of the of property tax benefits granted to the monks of S. Siro by Teodolfo, Bishop of Genoa. The airy, arched triple portico which opens up into the internal courtyard is especially interesting and unusual when one considers the building's original use. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The Prisoners' Tower |
Piazza Matteotti Via Tomaso Reggio Genoa 16123 Italy |
Built in 1307, and extended upwards at the end of the sixteenth century, this held the historic bell with which, from 1570, the Greater and the Lesser Councils - the Genovese orders of Government- were called to session. Located within what was the Palazzo del Commune, then incorporated into the Palazzo Ducale, the tower's foundations are made of hewn stone, and one of the original capitals, featuring carvings of animals and 'St George killing the dragon' can be found on the first floor. From the 16th century it was a prison for political offenders, like the nearby palazzo which is today the Archivio di Stato: a stone records that in a cell of the Grimalda in 1833, the patriot J. Ruffini slit his wrists so as not to betray the others affiliated with the Youth of Italy movement. The messages of despair carved into the walls by generations of convicts can still be seen today. Walking in the city centre or on the upper slopes of the city, the flag of Genoa can be seen, red cross on white background, flying from the top of the tower. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Frescoes and books |
Via Balbi, 5 Genoa 16126 Italy +39 10 2 0991 |
Founded as a Jesuit college in 1634, today this is the main University site. It is an extraordinary example of a productive use of the hillside behind, featuring a panorama of stairways, galleries and hanging gardens, like in the Palazzo Doria Tursi on the Via Garibaldi, modelled on the work of the architect Bartolomeo Bianco. The splendid Aula Magna, richly frescoed by G.A. Carlone, is certainly worth a visit. The University Library nearby is housed in the former Jesuit church of S. Francesco Saverio, with frescoes by D. Piola, partially hidden by the bookshelves. Admission:Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A neo-medieval castle on the sea |
Corso Italia, 26 Genoa 16145 Italy +39 10 362 0310 |
Built in 1924, designed by G. Coppedé, the villa rises on a hillock in a dominant position over the Corso Italia, the promenade linking the Fiera del Mare to the Boccadasse. Built in a neo-medieval style, along with an attractive porter's lodge, it is completely covered in coarse hewn stone, with tiles, brick and ceramic pottery pieces built into the walls, as curious decorations, in Coppedé's typical style. As is the case with the Castello Mackenzie, also built by Coppedé, it is reminiscent of a medieval Florentine castle, with defined, organic lines, and a dizzying tower that sweeps upwards from the main building. The attractive, well-planted park which surrounds it, the only one of its kind in the area, is an important link between the Corso Italia and the villa, which it today the headquarters of the Gaslini foundation, an organisation which oversees the activity of the well-known pediatric hospital of the same name. Not open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Engineers in a sixteenth century villa |
Via Montallegro, 1 Genoa 16145 Italy |
Built in 1548 for the nobleman Luca Giustiniani, this is considered to be the prototype for the Alessian villa, characterised by its square shape, and its position, dominating its surroundings. The Perugian architect Galeazzo Alessi, who was to leave a tangible trace of himself on Genoa in the form of both public and religious architecture, thought of the building as a compact block, apparently disconnected from the garden surrounding it, which once extended to the sea but today is divided into various public parks. The decoration inside the villa is quite sombre. It is currently the property of the University Department of Engineering. Students from other faculties are envious of the park in which poring over your books is a much more pleasant experience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: daniele linaro  |
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The |
Via N. D'Aste, 3 Genoa 16149 Italy |
Built by Vincenzo Imperiale between 1560 and 1563 at Sampierdarena, once the genovese aristocracy's favourite site for building country residences, the villa is actually now a school. It has a large garden behind it, transformed into a public park beyond the new via Cantore. The house is a typically alessian design, characterised by its tripartite facade, and important exterior architectural decoration. There is a series of attractive frescoes, the work of G. Carlone and B. Castello, and stucco work by M. Sparzo, who decorated the sixteenth century Chiesa di S.Pietro in Banchi at around the same time. The villa is known also as "Bellezza", which clearly refers to its magnificence, and links it to the so-called trilogy of Sampierdarena, which includes the Villa Grimaldi ('La Fortezza', on account of its castle-like strcture), and Villa Lercari Sauli ('La Semplicità' on account of the more severe architectural style). Despite undergoing many changes, the park is still an interesting example of a renaissance garden, conserving its monumental stairways and traces of the original landscaping. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A lily pond in a secret villa |
Via S.Bartolomeo degli Armeni, 5 Genoa 16122 Italy |
Located in the area of Castelletto near via Assarotti, this splendid sixteenth century villa is perhaps the best kept secret of the work of the Perugian architect Galeazzzo Alessi. It is privately owned, and as such is open to the public only on special occasions. It consists of a compact square, galleried block, situated on a flat space in a wonderfully panoramic location, surrounded by a flourishing terraced garden. The interior is frescoed by L. Cambiaso and G.B. Castello (known as 'Il Bergamasco'), working together in a well-established team. The villa has conserved its attractive sixteenth century lily pond, completely tiled with mosaics and shells, an enormously successful design that was copied in many other aristocratic country residences. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The golden refuges of the nobles |
Via Francesco Pozzo, 28 Genoa 16145 Italy |
Built at the end of the 16th century by A. Vannone, this is the first of the villas the visitor comes across at Albaro, once favoured by the aristocracy as a location for their country residences, and still an elegant residential area today. Surrounded by a large park, which is still partly farmed, the villa is considered the best example of pre-alessian Genoese architecture. It is characterised by a long form with a double galleried corner loggia, which opens on the surrouding countryside, decorated insude by the seventeenth century artists L. Tavarone and B. Castello. The name 'Paradise', by which the villa was known in subsequent centuries, is derived not only from the wonderful location, but also from the flourishing garden in which noblemen would relax, and divert themselves with games and competitions, as depicted by A. Magnasco in his famous painting "Intrattenimento in un giardino di Albaro", today on show in the Galleria di Palazzo Bianco. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |