Palazzo Gerolamo Grimaldi (Gerolamo Grimaldi Palace), Genoa
Gerolamo Grimaldi Palace, often called Meridian Palace, is an example of Genoese Renaissance architecture. Built between 1536 and 1544 by banker Gerolamo Grimaldi Oliva鈥攚ho amassed wealth managing tax collection in Spain and Portugal鈥攖he palace was conceived as a hybrid of suburban villa and urban residence. Its original layout, praised by architect Joseph F眉rttenbach, featured lush gardens above and below the building with dual fa莽ades taking advantage of the dramatic terrain.
A defining feature of its northern exterior is a series of vivid frescoes illustrating the Labours of Hercules, attributed to Aurelio Busso, which still grace the fa莽ade today. Inside, the palace hosts magnificent fresco cycles by renowned artists of the period鈥擫uca Cambiaso, Giovanni Battista Castello, Lazzaro Calvi鈥攃ommissioned by Gerolamo鈥檚 son between 1556 and 1566. The grand main salone includes an impressive perspective scene depicting Ulysses shooting at the suitors.
In the late 18th century, urban development reshaped the palace鈥檚 southern face along the newly created Newest Street, including a painted meridian sundial that gives the building its modern name. Later, architect Gino Copped猫 was brought in during the early 20th century to adapt the atrium with a stained-glass skylight and Art Nouveau details.
Today, Gerolamo Grimaldi Palace is part of UNESCO鈥檚 Rolli Palace and is open to the public for exhibitions, cultural events, and guided visits. Its richly frescoed halls, dramatic staircases, and evocative spaces make it a compelling alternative to the more frequented Rolli Palaces on Via Garibaldi.
A defining feature of its northern exterior is a series of vivid frescoes illustrating the Labours of Hercules, attributed to Aurelio Busso, which still grace the fa莽ade today. Inside, the palace hosts magnificent fresco cycles by renowned artists of the period鈥擫uca Cambiaso, Giovanni Battista Castello, Lazzaro Calvi鈥攃ommissioned by Gerolamo鈥檚 son between 1556 and 1566. The grand main salone includes an impressive perspective scene depicting Ulysses shooting at the suitors.
In the late 18th century, urban development reshaped the palace鈥檚 southern face along the newly created Newest Street, including a painted meridian sundial that gives the building its modern name. Later, architect Gino Copped猫 was brought in during the early 20th century to adapt the atrium with a stained-glass skylight and Art Nouveau details.
Today, Gerolamo Grimaldi Palace is part of UNESCO鈥檚 Rolli Palace and is open to the public for exhibitions, cultural events, and guided visits. Its richly frescoed halls, dramatic staircases, and evocative spaces make it a compelling alternative to the more frequented Rolli Palaces on Via Garibaldi.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Genoa. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Palazzo Gerolamo Grimaldi (Gerolamo Grimaldi Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Palazzo Gerolamo Grimaldi (Gerolamo Grimaldi Palace)
Sight Location: Genoa, Italy (See walking tours in Genoa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Genoa, Italy (See walking tours in Genoa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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