The Rolli Days: double event in September

The Rolli Days, the event celebrating the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage palaces, doubles up in September: on the 14th-15th and the 21st-22nd.

The Rolli Days are the event through which Genoa celebrates its Palaces, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. Each edition, centred around a specific theme, features tours, events, and special appointments within the residences that the most prominent Genoese aristocratic families enriched with wealth and artistic treasures during Genoa’s golden age. In September, the Rolli Days in Genoa will take place on the 14th-15th and the 21st-22nd, coinciding with the World Tourism Event and the Genoa International Boat Show.

The Rolli Palaces

The Rolli system comprises over 100 noble residences, 42 of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. These palaces are a precious treasure trove of art and culture, showcasing true masterpieces ranging from the late Renaissance to the Baroque period. Located in the heart of La Superba (Genoa’s historic nickname), these ancient aristocratic palaces house invaluable works: evocative architecture, courtyards, gardens, statues, galleries, and magnificent ceilings frescoed by the greatest painters of the era. In 1576, the Republic of Genoa established an official list (later called the Rolli, hence the name Palazzi dei Rolli) of prestigious palaces, requiring their owners to host state visits in rotation. The selection of a palace to host a visitor depended on the guest’s rank: the higher the nobility of the guest, the more lavish the palace had to be. The Rolli system became a model for aristocratic housing throughout Europe. Each year, Genoa celebrates these residences with the Rolli Days: weekends during which the palaces open their doors to the public, showcasing their treasures. This event consistently sets records for visitor attendance. During the Rolli Days, the Palazzi dei Rolli will host a variety of artistic performances, workshops, DJ sets, readings, talks, and much more. These free events offer a magnifying glass through which to admire and explore the beauty of these buildings, encompassing music, literature, poetry, art, gaming, entertainment, and comics. It’s a unique experience.

The dates

The double dates with Genoa’s Rolli Days is set for September 14-15 and 21-22, coinciding with the World Tourism Event and the Genoa International Boat Show. For the occasion, over 40 sites will be open to the public. Each palace, along with its history and the artworks it houses, will be narrated through the eyes of its former owners, offering a unique and extraordinary perspective.

Reservations will be available starting Tuesday, September 3.

https://landing.visitgenoa.it/rollidays-online/

https://www.rolliestradenuove.it

Please note these links are in Italian, configure translation settings in your browser.