Palazzo Carrega-Cataldi, Renaissance palace museum in Via Garibaldi, Genoa, Italy
Palazzo Carrega-Cataldi is a Renaissance palace in Via Garibaldi featuring a balanced stone facade with Ionic pillars arranged across two main floors and two mezzanine levels. Today it serves as the headquarters of Genoa's Chamber of Commerce and is open to visitors interested in Renaissance architecture and decoration.
Giovanni Battista Castello designed this palace between 1558 and 1561 for Tobia Pallavicino, a wealthy merchant from one of Genoa's oldest noble families. The building emerged during a period when rich trading families built grand residences to display their power and success.
The Golden Gallery displays frescoes from the Aeneid story, surrounded by mirrors and rich gold decorations. These ornaments show how Genoese merchants loved displaying their knowledge of ancient literature and fine craftsmanship.
The palace is located on Via Garibaldi, one of Genoa's main streets where several museums and palaces stand close together. Visitors should know that it functions as an active administrative center, so access may be limited compared to dedicated museums.
A chapel inside displays a clever optical trick created through careful architectural design that catches visitors off guard. The palace once held a marble statue of the Virgin Mary by French sculptor Pierre Puget, which was later moved to another location.
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