Royal Palace of Genoa

• Name — Royal Palace of Genoa • Native Name — Palazzo Reale di Genova • Former Names — Palazzo Stefano Balbi • Status — now used as a museum, National Gallery • Building Type — Palace • Client — Balbi family, Durazzo family, House of Savoy • Location — Genoa, Italy • Address — Via Balbi, 10 • Construction Start Date — 1618 • Completion Date — 1655 • Website — www.palazzorealegenova.beniculturali.it

Construction of the present structure began in 1618 for the Balbi family. From 1643 to 1655, work renewed under the direction of the architects Pier Francesco Cantone and Michele Moncino. In 1677, the palace was sold to the Durazzo family, who enlarged the palace under the designs of Carlo Fontana. In 1823, the palace was sold to the Royal House of Savoy. From 1919, the palace has belonged to the state.

The palace contains much original furniture and decoration. Frescoes inside include the Glory of the Balbi Family by Valerio Castello and Andrea Sghizzi, Spring changing slowly to Winter by Angelo Michele Colonna and Agostino Mitelli, and Jove establishes Justice on the Earth by Giovanni Battista Carlone. It also contains canvases by Bernardo Strozzi, il Grechetto, Giovanni Battista Gaulli, Domenico Fiasella as well as Bassano, Tintoretto, Luca Giordano, Anthony van Dyck, Ferdinand Voet, and Guercino. It contains statuary by Filippo Parodi.

• Illustration — Main facade of the palace • Illustration — Galleria • Illustration — Risseu in the garden • Illustration — Throne room • Illustration — Gardens of the Palazzo Reale • Illustration — Throne of Palazzo Reale • Illustration — Ornate ceiling of the throne room