Rolli Palazzos of Genoa: History and UNESCO Heritage

The history of the Rolli Palazzos

The Republic of Genoa reached the pinnacle of its power and wealth under Andrea Doria. Genoa's wealthy and powerful families built residences that matched the grandeur of their city.

Many new palaces were built at that time, so it became necessary to classify and organise them in lists, the Rolli: around 150 noble houses were inscribed on these lists.

The houses were classified into three categories according to their size, beauty and importance, and on this basis they were used to host a variety of guests, including cardinals, princes and diplomats.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The palaces known as the Palazzi dei Rolli are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: 42 magnificent palaces that the Genoese aristocracy called home.

The 42 palaces, now fully restored, are Europe's first example of urban planning carried out together with the residents, with a uniform design that met specific organisational, representative and diplomatic objectives.

Plan your next programme with us: discover Genoa and Cinque Terre and Corporate Events.