Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
Piazza Giacomo Matteotti 9, Genova, Liguria
Built in 1298 to demonstrate Genoa's wealth after it had become an important maritime trade center, the Doge's Palace in Genoa (Palazzo Ducale) was the residence of the doge, ruler of Genoa. Today a cultural center, event space, and museum hosting rotating exhibits, the palace offers visitors a glimpse of the splendor of Genoa's history.
Rebuilt and refurbished many times due to fires, expansions, and restorations, Palazzo Ducale serves as a lavish event space and houses civil offices as it has for centuries. The opulent palace has marble columns, beautiful sculptures, and restored 17th-century Giovanni Battista Carlone frescoes that depict prominent Genoese, including Christopher Columbus.
Doge's Palace Genoa tours and general Genoa guided tours often only visit the outside of the space. Doge's Palace Genoa tickets allow you to explore parts of the palace that have been turned into a museum and cultural event venue. Hop-on hop-off bus tours of Genoa pass by Palazzo Ducale, as well as city landmarks such as the Genoa Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo).
Palazzo Ducale is a must-visit for architecture lovers and Italian history buffs.
The palace is entirely wheelchair accessible and has an accessible entrance at Piazza de Ferrari.
An on-site bistro serves meals, coffee, and aperitifs.
Palazzo Ducale is located at Piazza Giacomo Matteotti 9, next to Piazza de Ferrari, the city's bustling main square best known for its three-tiered circular fountain. Many visitors reach Doge's Palace on foot while strolling Genoa's historical core, and it's also easily accessible by public transit—the de Ferrari metro stop is directly in front of the palace.
Palazzo Ducale is open daily, but hours for art exhibitions and events change frequently. Visitors are advised to consult the tourist information center or stop by the Doge's Palace itself to find out what's on the calendar while you're there.
The original medieval core of Palazzo Ducale is its tower, also known as La Grimaldina or Torre del Popolo (People's Tower). Built around 1298, it became a symbol of the Republic of Genoa's political power. From the 13th century through the 1930s, the tower served as a jail for political prisoners, conspirators, anarchists, and common prisoners, including Giuseppe Garibaldi, credited with helping to unify Italy, and famed violinist Niccolò Paganini. Paintings, engravings, and etched graffiti left by the inmates can still be seen on its walls.
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