Doges’ Palace

The Doges’ Palace in Genova is one of the city’s most prestigious symbols.
Its construction was started in 1298 when Genova affermed its economic power over the whole of the Mediterranean and the adjacent Palazzo Fieschi, acquired by the rebublic in 1294, was incorporated in the new building. Part of the medieval construction is still visible and the “Tower of the People” also called the Grimaldina belongs to it. Over the XIV and XV centuries new constructions were added to the Palace; in the XVI century the Palace was given new features that were considered to be more suitable than the medieval ones to receive and exalt the position of the new oligarchic republic; in 1591 the Ticinese architect Andrea Cerasola, known as “il Vannone” was charged with reconstructing the Palace: the result was a “monumental complex” characterised by the grandiose entry-hall which is flanked by two porticoed courtyards, the wide staircase that leads from the entrance-hall to the balconies on the “noble” floor, the spaces for delegations, and the Doge’s apartments with their own chapel.
The decoration of the environments was also designed to celebrate the glories of Genova. Restored after the fire of 1777 the Ticinese Simone Cantoni introduced neoclassical elements to the Palace; subject to several interventions in the XIX century and again in the XX century, the Palace found the ancient splendour thanks to a complex process of restyling and it was opened top the city on 14 may, 1992: with its 300.000 m3 of volume it was the most extensive restoration carried out in Europe.
Vibrant fulcrum of the city’s cultural life, the Palace splendidly receives large events, exhibitions and high class initiatives, and is also livened by spaces dedicated to commercial activities and entertainment.
Within the structure space is given to exhibitions, libraries, conference rooms, and the offices of many socio-cultural associations.
In 2001 the Doges’ Palace hosted the heads of state and of government that congregated in Genova for the G8; in 2004 it received the headquarters for the planning and organisation of Genova European Culture Capital.

Elaboration of data and information taken from www.comune.genova.it; www.apt.genova.it; www.wikipedia.it