Villa del Principe, Renaissance palace and art museum in Fassolo district, Genoa, Italy
Villa del Principe is a Renaissance palace in Genoa with grand rooms decorated with detailed frescoes, period furnishings, and connected Italian gardens. The structure combines indoor spaces with outdoor areas, creating a transition between the formal rooms and the landscape overlooking the sea.
A military leader commissioned this palace in the early 1500s by combining two earlier villas into one residence. The building later became a significant meeting place for European rulers and reflected major shifts in how Genoa's leadership operated.
The palace reflects how wealthy Genoese families displayed their power through art and architecture, with rooms designed to impress visitors. Walking through, you notice how every room tells a story about Renaissance taste and the connection between commerce and creative patronage.
The site is accessible on foot and open most days of the week, though checking hours ahead is wise. Allow time to explore both the interior rooms and the gardens, especially if you want to look closely at the artworks and details.
The location sits noticeably away from the city center, which gave its original owner a kind of private retreat while still exercising political influence. This distance was unusual for someone with such significant power in an urban republic.
Location: Genoa
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Opening Hours: Friday-Wednesday 10:00-17:00; September-March off
Phone: +39010255509
Email: info@palazzodelprincipe.it
Website: https://doriapamphilj.it/genova
GPS coordinates: 44.41611,8.91750
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
Genoa blends Renaissance architecture with views of the sea and mountains rising behind the city. In the streets of the old town, palaces from the 16th and 17th centuries stand with frescoed interiors and marble portals. The harbor stretches along the coast, where old cranes sit beside modern museums. From elevated points like Spianata di Castelletto, you see across the rooftops to the water, while the alleys of the center hold churches, squares, and covered galleries.
Royal Palace of Genoa
701 m
Nazario Sauro
612 m
Galata - Museo del mare
515 m
Commenda di San Giovanni di Pré
375 m
Albertis Castle
621 m
Palazzo Balbi Giacomo e Pantaleo
799 m
San Francesco da Paola
398 m
Durazzo-Pallavicini Palace
826 m
Palazzo dell'Università
744 m
San Teodoro Church
675 m
Villa Di Negro Rosazza dello Scoglietto
541 m
Santi Vittore e Carlo
660 m
San Rocco sopra Principe
276 m
Museum of the world cultures
616 m
University Library of Genoa
429 m
University of Genoa Botanic Garden
830 m
Santi Gerolamo e Francesco Saverio
801 m
San Sisto
713 m
Santa Fede
837 m
San Marcellino Church
686 m
San Benedetto al Porto
122 m
Palazzo Balbi Piovera Francesco
776 m
Forte San Giorgio
477 m
Palazzo Lomellini-Serra
844 m
Rosario Oratory
342 m
Museo nazionale dell’Emigrazione italiana
380 m
Museoteatro della Commenda
377 m
Museoteatro della Commenda di Pré
351 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes