Museo di Palazzo Reale

Overview

Palazzo Doria-Tursi is the largest and most imposing palace on Via Garibaldi, distinguished by its vast three-layered courtyard garden. Part of the Musei di Strada Nuova, its star attraction is Niccolò Paganini's violin 'Il Cannone Guarnerius,' preserved under glass and still played once a year by a competition winner.

Highlights

• Paganini's violin: The 1743 Guarneri del Gesù violin, bequeathed to the city by the virtuoso at his death in 1840.
• Three-tier courtyard: An extraordinary ascending garden of loggias, colonnades, and terraces.
• Civic collections: Maps, ceramics, coins, and documents tracing Genoa's history as a maritime republic.

History

Built in the 1560s for Nicola Grimaldi, the palace was later acquired by the Doria and Tursi families. It became Genoa's city hall in 1848 and continues to house the mayor's office. The museum occupies the piano nobile and upper floors.

Visitor Tips

• Violin viewings: 'Il Cannone' is displayed in a climate-controlled case — the annual concert is in October.
• Combined ticket: Covers Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco as well.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.