Albergo dei Poveri

Albergo dei Poveri is a palace building in Genoa featuring a quadrilateral layout with two projecting side sections and a central church at its core. Four large interior courtyards structure the spaces within the complex and define its overall character.

Emanuele Brignole commissioned construction of this palace in 1652 as a shelter for homeless people in Genoa. The complex grew into one of the city's most important welfare institutions and shaped the social fabric of the era.

The building displays many paintings from the 18th century, sculptures, and monuments honoring the benefactors who made this shelter possible. These artworks tell the story of generosity that shaped this place.

The building stands on Piazza Emanuele Brignole and currently houses offices for the University of Genoa alongside elderly care services. Be aware that parts of the complex remain in active use and may have limited public access.

The central church contains an unmarked burial place of founder Emanuele Brignole along with an altarpiece by Domenico Piola and a sculpture by Pierre Puget. These artworks reveal the artistic quality that the founder brought to this charitable institution.