Liguria's historic city of Genoa will offer visitors exclusive access to its incredible palaces from 18th-20th September with a special 'Rolli' weekend. The 42 palaces in Genoa's historical centre, which are collectively known as the 'Palazzi dei Rolli', will have their doors flung open over the weekend with a number of first time openings to the public. This will be the second 'Rolli' weekend this year with the previous weekend in May attracting 100,000 visitors in four days. 

Genoa, located in north west Italy, was once Italy's most powerful republic and its palaces were built by the wealthiest aristocratic families in the 16th century. Due to official 'rolls' (scripts) or 'Rolli' issued in 1576 about these palaces, they became known as the Rolli Palaces. Today the 42 palaces, which are all located in Genoa's Old Town, have UNESCO World Heritage status due to their historical, economic and aesthetic significance.

Over the Rolli weekend, 21 palaces which aren't usually accessible to the public will open as well as two historical houses. Special first time openings include Palazzo Nicola Grimaldi, a private property usually closed to the public.  Built in 1320, it hosted notable aristocratic families passing through Genoa and many original elements still remain including parts of the cornice and portico. Also opening to the public for the first time is Villa Pallavicino “delle Peschiere”. Founded in 1556, Villa Pallavicino is one of the better preserved examples of Genoese villas with highlights including the beautiful terraced garden, the typical Genoese black and white mosaic flooring known as 'risseu' and fresco cycles depicting narratives with Perseus, Ulysses, Apollo and Diana.

Other must visit Rolli palaces include Palazzo Giacomo Lomellini Patrone which has an incredible history; first built by the Lomellini family in 1619, who ruled Genoa from 1625-1627, it functioned as an aristocratic home and was then a fascist headquarters from 1928 to 1943 and is now the HQ of an Italian Army division. Also not to be missed is the Palazzo Nicolosio Lomellini. Built in 1563, the power of the Lomellini family still radiates five centuries later in the extravagant decorations on the façade. A must see is the Palazzo Tobia Pallavicini, built in 1558 by wealthy nobleman Tobia Pallavicini. It was ground-breaking in terms of its decorative and architectural styles with the most impressive element being the Golden Gallery, a room with walls completely adorned in decorative gold elements.   

For further details on the Rolli weekend visitwww.visitgenoa.it/en/evento/rolli-days-september-2015. For information on visiting Genoa and booking a stay visit www.visitgenoa.it

Getting there

A three night stay at the five star Melia Genova with British Airways costs from £207 per person. Price includes return flights from Gatwick to Genoa and accommodation. For bookings: www.britishairways.com    

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For press enquiries on Liguria contact Jules Ugo or Amelia Astley Birtwistle at Lotus UK on jules/amelia@lotus-uk.co.uk or call 0207 953 7470. 

For further information on “In Liguria” please visit www.turismoinliguria.it