Doge's Palace, Genoa, Italy

The Doge's Palace was once the home of the Doges of Genoa. It is now a museum and a centre for cultural events and arts exhibitions. It is situated in the heart of the city, with two different entrances and façades, the main one on Piazza Matteotti, and the second one on Piazza De Ferrari.

The first parts of the Palace were built between 1251 and 1275, during the flourishing period of the Republican history of Genoa, while the Torre Grimaldina (also named 'Torre del Popolo') was completed in 1539.

The palace originated from the acquisition by the commune of Genoa of houses of the Doria between San Matteo and San Lorenzo churches (1291), after which the construction of an annexed new building was started. To this, in 1294, a tower of the Fieschi family was added. The palace was restored in the 1590s by Andrea Ceresola. Around 1655, the Ducal Chapel was frescoed by Giovanni Battista Carlone and Domenico Fiasella. In 1777, it was subject to a fire, and was subsequently rebuilt in Neoclassicist style by Simone Cantoni.

On the main floor, the so-called Piano Nobile, are the frescoed halls of the Maggior and Minor Consiglio, where many public events take place.

References:

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Palaces, manors and town halls in Italy

User Reviews

Gian Luca Lippi (2 years ago)
An interestin gexhibition on Artemisia Gentileschi, XVII century painter and her story. Worth seeing. It will be there until March 2024. Also don't miss the permanent exhibition, free, on Emanuele Luzzati, graphic artist: absolutely not to miss!!!

Marcolino (2 years ago)
The palace of Doges was the princes of Genova palace. Its origins go back to XIII century,built above the remains of a few Doria family personal houses. It was totally refurbished during the last few decades and now it is the main exhibition & public conferences location for Genova. Genova is the book capital of Italy for 2023/2024 and the Palazzo Ducale hosts most of the public meeting with writers from all over the world. Worthy a visit indeed.

Dee (2 years ago)
this palace has a free to enter hall with a few really good cafes where you can eat lunch and have breakfast. Usually there's art exhibitions here, so if you're interested you can check it out!

Julia Ovcharenko (2 years ago)
Gorgeous place. We enjoyed it without a guide, exploring on our own. But it would also be great to hear some details, secrets, legends about the palace with a knowing person. There was a flea market there at the weekend.

Sarah Pegington-Chow (3 years ago)
Beautiful architecture, filled with history and is bery educational. ? It's a museum that is well worth the ticket price. Visited during the Ruben's exhibition which was also amazing. Buy your tickets online for a cheaper rate. Highly recommended.

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