Page 33 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italian Riviera

A POR TR AIT OF THE IT ALIAN RIVIER A  31

Renaissance Palazzi
In Genoa, the 16th and 17th centuries were a boom period – referred to as the “Genoese Century” –
during which a handful of powerful families financed the construction of numerous grand palaces.
A figure of particular importance in Genoese Renaissance history was Andrea Doria (1466–1560),
admiral and patron of the arts, who built the magnificent Palazzo Doria Pamphilj (see pp82–3). The
laying of Via Garibaldi, or “La Strada Nuova”, in the mid 16th century, was a great example of civic
town planning. The palazzi along this monumental street, including Palazzo Doria-Tursi, symbolized
the power of the great Genoese families. Other impressive schemes included the construction of
the Molo Nuovo (new quay) and of the famous Lanterna (lighthouse), both in the port. Such was
the reputation of Genoa’s architects that they exported their palazzo designs and materials
to Spain, France and northern Europe.

Palazzo Doria-Tursi
(see p75), begun in 1565, Decorations in white marble
is now Genoa’s Town Hall. and pink stone
It is three times the size of
the other palazzi on The side
Via Garibaldi. loggias were
added in 1597.

The Architecture of Today
After decades of crisis, years during which Genoa’s historic The colossal structure of
centre was abandoned to its own devices, the city has Il Bigo (see p64), designed by
rediscovered pride in itself and a capacity to undertake grand local boy Renzo Piano, is
projects. The 500th anniversary of the discovery of America by reminiscent of the cranes of
Genoa’s mercantile past, while
Columbus (1992) provided the impetus to revamp the port the sphere is a glasshouse
area, which had long been blighted by the presence of the containing palms and vast ferns.
coastal motorway; and Genoa’s role as European Capital of The Aquarium was built in 1992
Culture in 2004 has prompted renovation and building work for the Columbus celebrations.
elsewhere. One of the aims of the restoration of the port area
was to link it, finally, to the narrow alleys of old Genoa.
The “arms”
support a
panoramic lift.
Glass Structure in
panels aluminium

A taut cover protects
a pedestrian square.

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