Palazzo Bianco

The Palazzo Bianco, in Genoa

The Palazzo Bianco is one of the sumptuous palaces of the Via Garibaldi, summit of the refinement of the Genoese Renaissance. The Genoa audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this architectural jewel raised around 1530 for the noble Luca Grimaldi, inscribed on the famous Lista dei Rolli that obliged the families to host the State visitors, and become today a painting museum.

History

In the Via Garibaldi, the reflex to take is to raise the eyes to the right, then to the left, to grasp how magnificent Genoa is, especially by this row of palaces that mark the summit of the refinement of the Genoese Renaissance of the sixteenth century. In front of the Palazzo Bianco, you quickly realise that nothing was too luxurious for the aristocracy of long ago, in this case for Luca Grimaldi, who had this jewel built around 1530. Like several sumptuous residences of this period, the palace figured on the Lista dei Rolli established by the local authorities: Grimaldi and the other noble owners had to offer hospitality, at their expense, to the State visitors, princes, cardinals or ambassadors. Enriched by the crusades and powerful by its maritime commerce, Genoa made this system work for centuries. From 1658 to 1711, the Palazzo Bianco changed owners twice, and it is Maria Durazzo Brignole-Sale who had it brought up to date. It today shelters a painting museum with rich collections.

What to see

Here you admire one of the most sumptuous palaces of the Via Garibaldi, raised around 1530 for the noble Luca Grimaldi, summit of the Genoese Renaissance; inscribed on the Lista dei Rolli that obliged the families to host the State visitors, it today shelters a painting museum with rich collections. The Palazzo Bianco illustrates the aristocratic golden age of Genoa. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Palazzo Bianco lies at number 11 of the Via Garibaldi, in Genoa, reachable on foot. It is a museum whose access and hours follow the conditions in force, which vary. It is best to enquire before coming.

What is the Lista dei Rolli in Genoa?

It was an official list established by the Genoese authorities, that obliged the noble families, like that of Luca Grimaldi at the Palazzo Bianco, to host at their expense the State visitors, princes, cardinals or ambassadors; enriched by the crusades and maritime commerce, Genoa made this system work for centuries, and these palaces are today classified by UNESCO.

Where is the Palazzo Bianco in Genoa?

At number 11 of the Via Garibaldi, in Genoa, in Italy.