Via Garibaldi Palaces, Genoa

Palace in Genoa

Doria Tursi interno
Doria Tursi interno
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Maurizio Beatrici

Via Garibaldi is one of Europe's most elegant Renaissance streets, a showcase of Genoa's immense wealth during the 16th and 17th centuries. Originally laid out in 1550 as Strada Maggiore and later renamed Strada Nuova, it became the centrepiece of a bold urban plan designed to reflect the city's growing influence. Wealthy families built lavish palaces along this new street, forming what would become the Palazzi dei Rolli-a system of stately homes used to host visiting dignitaries according to a civic rota. Today, walking along Via Garibaldi is a journey into the splendour of Genoa's Golden Age and one of the top attractions in Genoa.

The façades of these palaces create a continuous gallery of frescoes, sculptures, grand loggias, and noble crests. Their interiors open into frescoed halls, ornate staircases, lush gardens, and exceptional art collections. Together, they form a rare urban masterpiece recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This spot is one of the best places to see in Via Garibaldi and is often visited on walking tours of Genoa.

History and Significance of Via Garibaldi & the Palazzi dei Rolli

Via Garibaldi began as a bold project during Genoa's prosperous 16th century. As the city expanded its influence across the Mediterranean, its aristocratic families sought residences that matched their financial and political strength. Strada Maggiore (later Strada Nuova) was the answer: a purpose-built Renaissance boulevard lined with palaces whose owners were among Europe's wealthiest financiers.

The Palazzi dei Rolli system formalised these palaces as official residences for state guests. Instead of royal accommodation, Genoa relied on its patrician families to host visiting monarchs, ambassadors, and dignitaries. Their homes were listed in the “rolli,” or registry, and assigned based on the palace's grandeur and the guest's status.

In 1882, Strada Nuova became Via Garibaldi, but the palaces retained their magnificence. Their extraordinary artistic and architectural quality eventually led UNESCO to recognise them as heritage sites in 2006.

Things to See and Do in Via Garibaldi & the Palazzi dei Rolli

A single ticket grants access to three of the most celebrated palaces along the street-the Strada Nuova Museums:

Palazzo Rosso (Red Palace)
Built between 1671 and 1677, Palazzo Rosso showcases frescoed rooms by leading Ligurian painters and refined Baroque interiors. Visitors can explore its richly decorated salons, admire portraits, tapestries, and furnishings, and ride the elevator to the rooftop for spectacular views across Genoa.

Palazzo Bianco (White Palace)
Dating from the 1530s, Palazzo Bianco is renowned for its art galleries. Its spacious rooms host masterpieces by Italian, Flemish, and Spanish artists, set within a palace that blends noble architecture with museum presentation. The terraced garden is an especially beautiful highlight.

Palazzo Tursi
Connected internally to Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Tursi contains grand halls adorned with frescoes, ceremonial rooms, and Genoa’s most precious treasures. Among them is the famed Paganini violin by Giuseppe Guarneri, a priceless instrument that anchors the palace’s cultural significance.

Beyond the museums, strolling Via Garibaldi itself is a delight-each palace façade tells a story of power, artistry, and Genoa's aristocratic legacy.

How to Get to Via Garibaldi & the Palazzi dei Rolli

Genoa is served by Cristoforo Colombo Airport, with buses, taxis, and private transfers connecting to the city centre. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Genoa on Booking.com.

Genoa Piazza Principe and Genova Brignole railway stations offer easy access, and from either one it's a short bus or metro ride to the historic centre. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

If travelling by car, parking is available in public garages near Piazza Portello or Via Interiano, allowing an easy walk to Via Garibaldi. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Via Garibaldi & the Palazzi dei Rolli

  • Suggested tips: Buy the combined museum ticket to see Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Tursi without queues.
  • Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for quieter palaces and softer light on the façades.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Combined ticket approx. €9-€12.
  • Opening hours: Typically 9:00-18:00; check seasonal variations.
  • Official website: Musei di Strada Nuova.
  • How long to spend: 2-3 hours for the three palaces; longer if exploring the entire street.
  • Accessibility: Lifts available in Palazzo Rosso; some historic areas have steps.
  • Facilities: Restrooms and museum shops inside the palaces; cafés nearby.
  • Photography tip: Capture the façades from the centre of the narrow street for dramatic verticals.
  • Guided tours: Available through local operators and the museum system.
  • Nearby food options: Excellent trattorias around Piazza Fontane Marose and the nearby medieval streets.

Where to Stay close to Via Garibaldi & the Palazzi dei Rolli

Stay within Genoa's elegant historic centre for easy access to Via Garibaldi. Hotel Palazzo Grillo offers boutique charm in a restored palace. For modern comforts, NH Collection Genova Marina provides harbour views and stylish rooms. Another excellent option is Hotel Bristol Palace, known for its grand architecture and central location.

Is Via Garibaldi & the Palazzi dei Rolli Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Via Garibaldi is one of Italy's finest Renaissance streets and a core highlight of Genoa's UNESCO heritage. The palaces offer a rare glimpse into aristocratic life, impressive art collections, and some of the most beautiful interiors in Liguria. It is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Genoa and an unmissable experience for lovers of architecture, art, and history.

FAQs for Visiting Via Garibaldi & the Palazzi dei Rolli

Yes, a combined ticket grants access to Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Tursi.
The rooftop at Palazzo Rosso can be reached by elevator for panoramic views.
Generally yes, but some areas may restrict flash photography.
Yes, the street is largely pedestrian, making it easy to explore on foot.
The street itself takes only a few minutes to walk, but visiting the palaces requires at least a couple of hours.

Nearby Attractions to Via Garibaldi & the Palazzi dei Rolli

  • Piazza De Ferrari: Genoa's main civic square with its grand fountain.
  • Genoa Cathedral (San Lorenzo): Gothic-Romanesque cathedral with striped marble façade.
  • Palazzo Ducale: Historic palace hosting exhibitions and cultural events.
  • Porto Antico: The old harbour redesigned by Renzo Piano, full of cafés and attractions.
  • Belvedere Castelletto: A panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping views of Genoa.

The Via Garibaldi Palaces appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Genoa!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

From 1st Novemeber

From Tuesday to Friday 9 am – 6.30 pm

Saturday and Sunday 9.30 am – 6.30 pm

Closed: Monday


From 18 April

from Tuesday to Friday 9 am – 7 pm

Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 7,30 pm

Closed on non-holiday Mondays

Last admission one hour before closing

Price:

The Genova Museum Card is a single ticket, valid for 24 hours , which allows you to access only once the 28 city museums, 19 civic museums and 9 non-civic museums, for the price of 15 euro inclusive of AMT public transport

Address: Palazzo Doria Tursi, Via Garibaldi, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy
Genoa: 0 km
Official Website

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