Palazzo Ducale

Palazzo Ducale developed from the late thirteenth century as Genoa created a permanent seat for civic government. Over centuries it expanded, changed appearance and adapted to the political life of the republic. The doges, elected heads of state, governed from here, and the building became the ceremonial center of Genoese power.

The palace was not created in one architectural campaign. It grew from medieval structures and was repeatedly altered after political change, fire and changing tastes. Its layered form is therefore more useful than a perfectly unified palace would be: you can read Genoa's evolution directly in the building.