Description of the attraction
Palazzi dei Rolli is a whole quarter in Genoa, consisting of luxurious old palaces that once belonged to the most noble families of the city. They were built along Via Garibaldi, formerly called Le Strade Nuove. In the 1990s, more than 10 million euros were spent on their restoration, and in 2006, part of the Palazzi dei Rolli was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as indicated by a plaque installed a year later at the beginning of Via Garibaldi.
The world-famous quarter consists of more than 40 palaces - this is the first example of centralized city development in the history of Europe, which was carried out at the end of the 16th century in accordance with the approved plan. Since all Palazzi dei Rolli occupy a relatively small area, the owners of the palaces were forced to build up their possessions upward. Most of the buildings stand on sloping plots of land and form a kind of terraces: atrium - courtyard - stairs - garden.
The territory of the Palazzi dei Rolli was divided into zones according to the status of the owners of the palaces. The first zone was created in 1576, the subsequent ones - in 1588, 1599, 1614 and 1664. The palaces themselves were also divided into three categories according to their size, beauty and importance - according to these criteria, they were chosen for themselves by princes, viceroys, ambassadors and rulers of cities. Only three palaces could receive the highest officials - these were the houses of Joe Butta Doria, Nicolo Grimaldi and Franco Lercari. Historical documents indicate that these Palazzi were reserved for the Pope, Emperor, King and Cardinals.
An interesting fact: since 1576, delegations of foreign states have stayed in these palazzo at the direction of the Republican Senate. It must be said that this example of an innovative urban planning solution has always aroused genuine interest and admiration among foreigners. It was the Palazzi dei Rolli that Henry IV and his minister Sully took as a model for the redevelopment of Paris.
