The historical port city of Genoa is rich in culture and art. The city boasts a long and prestigious heritage and 2016 offers the perfect chance to learn more about this fascinating destination. Genoa, located in north west Italy in the region of Liguria, has new exhibitions and events to entice visitors in 2016 and with direct flights from British Airways, is perfect for a cultural weekend break.
Genoa will once again offer visitors exclusive access to its incredible palaces with three news dates announced for the special Rolli Weekends 2016: 2 - 3 April, 28 - 29 May and 15 - 16 October. A total of 23 out of the 42 palaces in Genoa's historical centre, which are collectively known as the 'Palazzi dei Rolli', will have their doors flung open to the public during the first weekend. Six churches will also be opened and it will also be possible to visit some suburban villas of the aristocrat families who owned the Rolli Palaces.
Last year 21 palaces opened their doors and the May weekend recorded 100,000 visitors in four days. The full schedule for May and October's events will be unveiled later in the year.
Genoa was once Italy's most powerful republic and its palaces were built by the wealthiest aristocratic families in the 16th century. Due to official 'rolls' (scripts) or 'Rolli' issued in 1576 about these palaces, they became known as the Rolli Palaces. Today the 42 palaces, which are all located in Genoa's Old Town, have UNESCO World Heritage status due to their historical, economic and aesthetic significance.
May's Rolli Weekend will host the grand opening of a new path linking two of the most important historical houses in Genoa - the Palazzo Bianco and the Palazzo Tursi. Built in 1530, the Palazzo Bianco was originally home to some of the most important noble families in Genoa before being turned into an art gallery in 1884. The splendid Palazzo Tursi, built in 1579, also hosted notable aristocratic families in Genoa before it was taken over by the Savoy in 1848 and turned into Genoa's town hall.
October's weekend will unveil the opening of the new halls of the XIX Century on the third floor of Palazzo Rosso, where guests can view furniture and the rooms of the last heirs of the Brignole-Sale family.
