Palazzo Campanella (Bell Palace), Genoa
The Bell Palace is a splendid Mannerist palace. This elegant residence forms part of the famed Rolli Palaces鈥攁n exclusive system of aristocratic homes once used to host visiting dignitaries during the Republic of Genoa, now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Commissioned in 1562 by banker Baldassarre Lomellini and designed by Genoa鈥檚 official architect Giovanni Ponzello, the palace originally featured frescoed halls by Andrea Semino and a lavish Mannerist fa莽ade. Only the marble entrance portal by Taddeo Carlone, bearing the motto "Mindful of future generations" , survives today from the original frontage; engravings by Rubens preserve the full visual of its original grandeur.
By the late 18th century, the palace had passed through prominent hands鈥攊ncluding the Spinola family and French-influenced architects Charles De Wailly and Emanuele Andrea Tagliafichi鈥攚ho introduced neoclassical elegance, a refined atrium, porticoed courtyard, and the famed鈥攂ut now lost鈥斺�淗all of the Sun鈥�, inspired by Versailles. Tragically, the 1942 bombings heavily damaged the main hall, leading to a loss of its most celebrated interiors.
Today, ownership lies with the Campanella family (who acquired it in 1917), and the palace functions as regional government offices. The first floor, however, remains accessible to the public, showcasing the 16th- and early 17th-century frescoes鈥攕uch as the Hall of the Zecchini (with its Roman-themed frescoes) and the room featuring Aeneas and Dido by Giovanni Battista Castello il Bergamasco.
Commissioned in 1562 by banker Baldassarre Lomellini and designed by Genoa鈥檚 official architect Giovanni Ponzello, the palace originally featured frescoed halls by Andrea Semino and a lavish Mannerist fa莽ade. Only the marble entrance portal by Taddeo Carlone, bearing the motto "Mindful of future generations" , survives today from the original frontage; engravings by Rubens preserve the full visual of its original grandeur.
By the late 18th century, the palace had passed through prominent hands鈥攊ncluding the Spinola family and French-influenced architects Charles De Wailly and Emanuele Andrea Tagliafichi鈥攚ho introduced neoclassical elegance, a refined atrium, porticoed courtyard, and the famed鈥攂ut now lost鈥斺�淗all of the Sun鈥�, inspired by Versailles. Tragically, the 1942 bombings heavily damaged the main hall, leading to a loss of its most celebrated interiors.
Today, ownership lies with the Campanella family (who acquired it in 1917), and the palace functions as regional government offices. The first floor, however, remains accessible to the public, showcasing the 16th- and early 17th-century frescoes鈥攕uch as the Hall of the Zecchini (with its Roman-themed frescoes) and the room featuring Aeneas and Dido by Giovanni Battista Castello il Bergamasco.
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Palazzo Campanella (Bell Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Palazzo Campanella (Bell Palace)
Sight Location: Genoa, Italy (See walking tours in Genoa)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Genoa, Italy (See walking tours in Genoa)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Genoa, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Genoa
Creating your own self-guided walk in Genoa is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Genoa Introduction Walking Tour
Petrarch, an Italian poet of the early Renaissance known as the "father of humanism," called Genoa "La Superba" (The Proud One). Genoa is deservedly proud of her maritime glory and unique architecture.
From the 11th century until the late 18th century, the city became a leading economic and military power in Europe. It was one of the wealthiest cities in the world through... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
From the 11th century until the late 18th century, the city became a leading economic and military power in Europe. It was one of the wealthiest cities in the world through... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Rolli Palaces Walking Tour
The Rolli di Genova 鈥� or, more precisely, the Rolli degli alloggiamenti pubblici di Genova (Italian for "Lists of the public lodgings of Genoa") 鈥� were first established in the Republic of Genoa in 1576. Originally, these official lists included private palaces and mansions belonging to the most distinguished local families, which - if chosen through a public lottery - were obliged... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.4 Km or 0.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.4 Km or 0.2 Miles