Palazzo Spinola Gambaro (Spinola Gambaro Palace), Genoa
Spinola Gambaro Palace is a sumptuous Renaissance masterpiece, commissioned in 1558 by Pantaleo Spinola and designed by Bernardo Spazio with completion by Pietro Orsolino, it stands as the first grand palace on the lower side of Strada Nuova and was listed among the prestigious Rolli palaces by 1576.
The palace鈥檚 exterior is elegantly understated, featuring a simple plastered fa莽ade enlivened only by the rhythmic windows, projecting balconies, and a grand marble portal guarded by statues representing Prudence and Vigilance. Inside, the ground floor is adorned with rich biblical frescoes by Giovanni Carlone鈥攄epicting scenes such as Susannah and the Elders, The Judgement of Solomon, and The Death of Absalom鈥攎arking his final contributions to Genoese Mannerism.
During the 17th century, the palace passed from the Spinolas to the Giustiniani and later the Gambaro family. In the 19th century, following its acquisition by the Bank of Chiavari and the Ligurian Riviera, the courtyard was covered, and the ground-floor hall was revamped with allegorical frescoes celebrating national progress and the Liberal Arts. Today, the bank鈥檚 public spaces occasionally host cultural events, offering visitors a rare chance to experience the palace鈥檚 gilt-edged grandeur.
As part of the UNESCO-listed Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli, Spinola Gambaro Palace remains a living testament to the city鈥檚 architectural legacy.
The palace鈥檚 exterior is elegantly understated, featuring a simple plastered fa莽ade enlivened only by the rhythmic windows, projecting balconies, and a grand marble portal guarded by statues representing Prudence and Vigilance. Inside, the ground floor is adorned with rich biblical frescoes by Giovanni Carlone鈥攄epicting scenes such as Susannah and the Elders, The Judgement of Solomon, and The Death of Absalom鈥攎arking his final contributions to Genoese Mannerism.
During the 17th century, the palace passed from the Spinolas to the Giustiniani and later the Gambaro family. In the 19th century, following its acquisition by the Bank of Chiavari and the Ligurian Riviera, the courtyard was covered, and the ground-floor hall was revamped with allegorical frescoes celebrating national progress and the Liberal Arts. Today, the bank鈥檚 public spaces occasionally host cultural events, offering visitors a rare chance to experience the palace鈥檚 gilt-edged grandeur.
As part of the UNESCO-listed Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli, Spinola Gambaro Palace remains a living testament to the city鈥檚 architectural legacy.
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Palazzo Spinola Gambaro (Spinola Gambaro Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Palazzo Spinola Gambaro (Spinola Gambaro 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