Palazzo Ducale Genova

The Palazzo Ducale dominates Piazza Matteotti in central Genoa, a vast complex that served as the seat of the Doges of the Republic of Genoa from the late 13th century until 1797. Behind its monumental 18th-century Baroque facade lie two grand frescoed halls, the Maggior Consiglio and Minor Consiglio, a colonnaded atrium and two open courtyards that can be crossed for free as a public passage between the surrounding squares. Today the palace is Genoa's leading cultural venue, staging major international art exhibitions on the upper floors throughout the year, alongside a programme of talks, festivals and a cafe. Visitors can also climb the Torre Grimaldina, the building's former prison tower, where 18th-century prisoners' graffiti survives on the cell walls, for wide views over the rooftops of the centro storico. A visit centred on one exhibition usually takes around an hour and a half to two hours; simply wandering the courtyards and atrium takes only a few minutes. Because the draw is the temporary shows, what is on varies greatly, so checking palazzoducale.genova.it before arriving is essential; admission applies only to the exhibition spaces, while the public areas stay free. Crowds depend on the exhibition: blockbuster shows are busiest at weekends and on their final days, while weekday afternoons are quieter, and some run a late Friday opening. The colonnaded courtyards, the sweeping double staircase and the frescoed ceilings of the council halls make the most rewarding photographs. The palace stands beside Piazza De Ferrari and its fountain in the heart of Liguria's regional capital, within a short walk of the cathedral, the Carlo Felice opera house and the old town, so it slots easily into a day exploring central Genoa.