Palazzi dei Rolli Tours

Genoa’s Palazzi dei Rolli are a group of 42 residences, built between the 16th and 18th centuries, that were listed on the city’s register. When notable guests came to visit Genoa on a state visit, a lottery was used to determine which palace would host the guest. Today, these palaces—out of 163 total homes—are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Basics
The private mansions and palaces of the Palazzi dei Rolli belonged to the most distinguished Genoese families and were an early example of cooperative urban planning. Most hop-on hop-off tours of Genoa make a stop at one or more of the grand edifices as well as other top attractions in the city including Piazza de Ferrari and Via XX Settembre. For a more personalized experience, opt for a private sightseeing tour of Genoa and get an in-depth look at its rich history.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Palazzi dei Rolli are a must-visit for architecture lovers and history buffs.
• If exploring inside the palaces, expect to spend one to two hours per residence perusing the exhibits.
• The palaces and mansions are located throughout the city so wear comfortable shoes to explore Genoa’s cobblestoned streets.
• Visit the tourist information center on Via Garibaldi for more information on each individual palace of the Palazzi dei Rolli group.
• Genoa is known to be rainy, so tote an umbrella while exploring.

How to Get There
The residences of Palazzi dei Rolli are scattered throughout Genoa’s city center within 10 minutes walking of each other. You can take the metro to the Darsena stop or hop aboard a number of city buses to reach the city center. The most prominent palaces are located on Via Garibaldi, Via Lomellini, and Via Balbi.

When to Get There
The Palazzi dei Rolli are open at varying times but generally they are open from 9am to the late afternoon or early evening Tuesday through Sunday. Genoa is busiest between May and September. To avoid large crowds, visit the city during spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant.

The Best Palazzi dei Rolli to Visit
Out of 163 Palazzi dei Rolli, it can be hard to choose which to explore. While most are now converted into banks or offices, a few are open to the public. Try the palaces along the Strade Nuove, which include Palazzo Doria Tursi, Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso, and the Royal Palace of Genoa.