
Palazzo Spinola National Gallery
Step into a 16th-century aristocratic home, adorned with stunning frescoes and period art, offering an intimate glimpse into Genoa's noble past.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Palazzo Spinola National Gallery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a 16th-century aristocratic home, adorned with stunning frescoes and period art, offering an intimate glimpse into Genoa's noble past.
"Palazzo Spinola feels like stepping into a living museum, offering an intimate and authentic experience."

🎟️ Ticket Combo Value
Your ticket often covers the Royal Palace too! Get the most out of your visit by exploring both.
🤫 Quiet Exploration
Embrace the intimate atmosphere; it's perfect for appreciating the details of this noble residence.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Frescoed Ceilings
Throughout the Palazzo
Marvel at the vibrant frescoes adorning the ceilings, showcasing the artistic grandeur of the Baroque era.
Antique Furnishings
Period Rooms
Step back in time with exquisitely preserved antique furniture, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life.

Art Collection
Gallery Rooms
Admire a curated collection of paintings and objects from the period, reflecting the tastes of Genoese nobility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Your Visit
Limited Access, Big Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Ticket Combo Value
Your ticket often covers the Royal Palace too! Get the most out of your visit by exploring both.
🤫 Quiet Exploration
Embrace the intimate atmosphere; it's perfect for appreciating the details of this noble residence.
🖼️ Read the Descriptions
Most important pieces have English and Italian descriptions. Learn the stories behind the art!
🤝 Friendly Staff
The staff are lovely and helpful, even if English isn't their first language. A smile goes a long way!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Ticket Combo Value
Your ticket often covers the Royal Palace too! Get the most out of your visit by exploring both.
🤫 Quiet Exploration
Embrace the intimate atmosphere; it's perfect for appreciating the details of this noble residence.
🖼️ Read the Descriptions
Most important pieces have English and Italian descriptions. Learn the stories behind the art!
🤝 Friendly Staff
The staff are lovely and helpful, even if English isn't their first language. A smile goes a long way!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Palazzo Spinola National Gallery for its intimate atmosphere, beautiful frescoes, and well-preserved antique furnishings, offering a genuine glimpse into Genoese aristocratic life. The combined ticket with the Royal Palace is seen as great value. Some note that only a portion is open, and it might be less engaging for those not deeply interested in history.
"Medium sized palazzo, included in ticket price to the Royal Palace admission. Beautiful rooms and art/objects, with several room descriptions and friendly staff."
Matt Ward
"Palazzo Spinola feels like stepping into a living museum. This elegant noble residence showcases beautiful frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, and a rich collection of artworks — all preserved in their original setting.
Each room tells a story of Genoese aristocracy, and the quiet, intimate atmosphere makes the experience feel personal and authentic.
A hidden gem for lovers of history, art, and timeless charm."
Giulia Brioschi
"Very nice stuff.
The palazzo is open for public below 25%. Would have been nice to see more of it but lovely what was shown."
Sinziana Manitiu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palazzo Spinola National Gallery is centrally located in Genoa, making it easily accessible. Many visitors arrive on foot from other city attractions like the Aquarium or Doge's Palace. Public transport options include buses that stop nearby. If arriving by train, the Genoa Piazza Principe or Genoa Brignole stations are a short taxi or bus ride away.
Yes, it's very close to many key Genoa sights! It's just 0.1 km from San Pietro in Banchi and the Centro di documentazione per la Storia, l'Arte e l'Immagine di Genova. It's also a short walk from the Aquarium of Genoa and Doge's Palace.
Walking is highly recommended to soak in the atmosphere of Genoa's historic center. Many of the main attractions, including Palazzo Spinola, are within easy walking distance of each other.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission price for Palazzo Spinola National Gallery is often combined with entry to the Royal Palace, offering excellent value. Check the official website for the most current pricing and any special exhibition fees.
It's advisable to check the official website for Palazzo Spinola National Gallery or the Genoa Museums portal for online ticket purchasing options. This can save you time upon arrival.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to consult the official website for the most up-to-date information. Generally, museums in Genoa operate during standard daytime hours, but it's always wise to confirm.
Yes, your ticket often includes access to the Royal Palace, and it may be part of broader Genoa museum passes. Inquire about combined tickets or passes for potential savings.
While the art and historical furnishings are fascinating, the experience is best suited for those who appreciate art history and historical interiors. Younger children might find it less engaging than more interactive museums.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You'll discover beautifully preserved aristocratic rooms with frescoed ceilings, antique furniture, and a collection of Baroque paintings and decorative arts. It offers an intimate look at Genoese noble life.
Crowds can vary, but it's generally less crowded than larger, more famous museums. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, allowing for a more personal experience.
While official guided tours might be limited, the staff are often very knowledgeable and can provide insights. Look for information panels in English and Italian for details on artworks and rooms.
Photography policies can change, but generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted in many areas. Always check for signage or ask staff if unsure.
Palazzo Spinola is part of the 'Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli' UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its unique urban planning and the architectural significance of its palaces.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, historic palaces like Palazzo Spinola do not have on-site cafes or restaurants. You'll find numerous dining options in the surrounding streets of Genoa's historic center.
The area around Palazzo Spinola is rich with traditional Ligurian cuisine. Look for trattorias serving pesto, focaccia, and fresh seafood.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the ornate frescoed ceilings, the intricate details of the antique furniture, and the elegant architectural features. The Hall of Mirrors is also a popular spot.
Flash photography is generally not permitted in art museums to protect the artworks. Always check for signs or ask staff before using your flash.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial due to the indoor setting. A wide-angle lens can help capture the grandeur of the rooms, while a macro lens can focus on intricate details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Consider combining the visit with the nearby Aquarium of Genoa or Doge's Palace for a more varied itinerary that appeals to different age groups. The ticket often includes the Royal Palace, which might offer slightly more to engage younger visitors with its grandeur.
🏛️ Art & History Enthusiasts
Highlight: Pay close attention to the frescoed ceilings and the original furnishings, which are as much a part of the exhibit as the paintings. The UNESCO World Heritage status underscores its significance.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: Plan your visit to include both attractions to maximize your budget. Look for combined ticket options or passes that might offer further savings on other Genoa museums.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Palazzo Spinola: A Noble Residence
The palazzo itself offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Genoese nobility. Unlike many museums that display art in sterile galleries, Palazzo Spinola preserves its original setting. Visitors can wander through rooms adorned with stunning frescoes, admire antique furniture, and view a curated collection of paintings and decorative arts that reflect the tastes and wealth of the Spinola family and other aristocratic owners.
While only a portion of the palazzo is open to the public, the preserved areas provide an intimate and authentic experience. The staff are noted for being friendly and helpful, often providing information about the artworks and the history of the residence, making the visit both educational and enjoyable.
Art and Artifacts of the Palazzo
Beyond the paintings, the palazzo is celebrated for its preserved interiors. The frescoed ceilings are a major highlight, depicting mythological scenes, allegories, and decorative motifs that would have been fashionable among the aristocracy. These artworks, combined with the original antique furnishings, create a cohesive and immersive historical environment.
Items like antique ceramics, tapestries, and elaborate furniture further enhance the sense of stepping back in time. The careful preservation of these elements allows visitors to understand not just the art, but also the lifestyle and cultural context of the Genoese elite.






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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit