Palazzo Giacomo Spinola, Rolli palace in Genoa, Italy
Palazzo Giacomo Spinola is a palace at Piazza delle Fontane Marose 6 in Genoa, built between 1445 and 1459 for Giacomo Spinola. Its facade has two-colour banding and niches holding marble statues of illustrious family members, three of them carved by Domenico Gagini da Bissone. Since 1941 it has been protected by the superintendency and it now houses the Banco di Sardegna.
Construction of the palace began in 1445 for Giacomo Spinola and it later became the residence of Giovanni Battista Spinola, who served as Doge of Genoa from 1613 to 1615. This connection to the city's highest authority made the house a symbol of noble power.
The facade displays marble statues of the Spinola family placed in decorated niches, showing how this noble family expressed their importance through their home. Visitors can observe these figures and understand how wealthy families told their own stories through architecture and sculpture.
The palace is normally closed to the public but opens for special events, particularly during the annual Invitation to the Palace event held on the first Saturday in October. It is advisable to check opening conditions in advance since the building also serves as a bank branch.
The interior features original wooden ceilings with brackets bearing the Spinola family coat of arms that have undergone careful restoration. These details often go unnoticed by visitors but showcase the craftsmanship invested in the private rooms.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,249 contributors worldwide.