Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace Museum), Genoa

Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace Museum), Genoa (must see)

The Balbi family found fortune in the trade of silks and finance. In the 17th century, they built their dream palace, which is now on the list of World Heritage Sites.

Stefano and Giovanni Battista Balbi died in the plague of 1657. The palace was sold to the Durazzo family. The Durazzos had fled from Albania, ultimately becoming successful merchants in Genoa.

In 1823, the Royal Savoia family acquired the palace. King Carlo Felice di Savoie used it as a summer residence. Since 1919, the building has belonged to the state.

The palace is now home to Liguria's Department for Artistic, Historical, and Archeological Heritage and the Royal Palace Museum. The interior style of each room is unique.

The Battle Room has paintings of naval battles of the 18th century. The Hall of Time has 23 artworks by Tintoretto and Bassano. The Hall of the Veronese has a 17th-century copy of The Supper of Christ in the House of Simon the Pharisee.

The Hall of Mirrors is an interpretation of the Versailles Ice Gallery. It was created by Domenico Parodi for Girolamo II Durazzo. It was used as a dining room to entertain Emperor Joseph II of Austria and Napoleon Bonaparte.

The Chapel Gallery is for the Passion of Christ. It has a painting of Christ at the Column by Filippo Parodi.

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Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace Museum) on Map

Sight Name: Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace Museum)
Sight Location: Genoa, Italy (See walking tours in Genoa)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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