Palazzo Lercari-Parodi, Renaissance palace in Via Garibaldi, Genoa, Italy
Palazzo Lercari-Parodi is a Renaissance palace on Via Garibaldi in Genoa with a lower facade featuring diamond-point ashlar and grand portals. These entrances are flanked by two telamons deliberately carved without noses, creating an unusual sculptural element of the building.
Wealthy banker Franco Lercari, a governor of the Genoese Republic, began construction of this palace in 1571 and completed it in 1578. The building was created during a period when Genoa was experiencing its height as a trading power and cultural center.
The first floor contains frescoes depicting landscapes, Roman military scenes, and biblical episodes across various rooms, created as displays of wealth and education. These paintings reflect how the Renaissance elite decorated their homes to showcase their power and refined taste.
The building remains a private residence owned by the Parodi family since 1845, so viewing is limited to the exterior. The street is easy to walk and allows you to observe multiple palace facades along Via Garibaldi and compare their architectural styles.
The noseless telamons at the entrance reference the legend of Megollo Lercari, who cut off his enemies' noses in retaliation for insults. This unusual sculptural choice shows how local folklore became embedded in the palace's design.
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