Palazzo Bianco (White Palace), Genoa

Palazzo Bianco (White Palace), Genoa

The White Palace got its name for the plain color of its facade. It was built between 1530 and 1540 by troubadour, politician, and diplomat Luca Grimaldi. Grimaldi was a prominent Genoese family. In 1658 the building became the property of the De Franchi Toso family. In 1711 Federico de Franchi Toso ceded the palace to Maria Durazzo Brignole-Sale to pay off a debt.

From 1714 to 1716, the Durazzos made extensive restorations. It was at this time the palace got its "White" name. In 1899 Maria Brignole-Sale, the last member of the Durazzos family, ceded the property to the municipality to be used as a public gallery. She dedicated the gallery in 1884 to enlarge its collection.

La Donna Maria's penchant for Spanish and Flemish painters stands out. Van Dyck, Rubens, Filippino Lippi, Veronese, and Caravaggio are all represented. The real jewel of the museum is Lucas Cranach the Elder's "Portrait of a Lady." On the upper floors is a captivating collection of 19th and 20th-century fashions.

The White Palace is located on Garibaldi street within the New Street UNESCO World Heritage site. It is easily reached on foot from the city center.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Genoa. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Palazzo Bianco (White Palace) on Map

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

Walking Tours in Genoa, Italy

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