Villa del Principe – Palazzo di Andrea Doria

About the museum

Villa del Principe is the largest and most sumptuous noble residence in Genoa. Construction began in the 1520s at the behest of Andrea Doria, admiral and commander, who entrusted the decoration to Perin del Vaga, a pupil of Raphael. The artist created one of the most important Renaissance painting cycles in northern Italy in the villa. With his wife Peretta Usodimare, Doria created a Renaissance court frequented by artists such as Girolamo da Treviso, Beccafumi, Pordenone and Silvio Cosini. In 1533 the palazzo hosted Emperor Charles V.

The complex was enlarged and enriched with new works by the heir Giovanni Andrea I, and for almost five centuries it was inhabited by successive generations of the Doria Pamphilj family, who gathered paintings, tapestries and precious furnishings in the 16th-century halls.

The garden is also linked to Andrea Doria. Facing south towards the sea and laid out to the north in terraces on the Granarolo hill, it was organised with the collaboration of Perin del Vaga, of whom the Fontana dei Delfini remains, and later with that of Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli. At the end of the 16th century the Fontana del Nettuno was created, which is still the centre of the Italian-style garden. From the 1760s, when the Doria Pamphilj’s main residence was transferred to Rome, a period of decline began. In the 19th century the garden was partly transformed in the Romantic English style, and the construction of the Genoa–Turin railway later compromised its northern part. Today the villa is a museum where visitors can admire the frescoes and tapestries of the piano nobile (main floor) and visit the garden.

Highlights

• Fresco cycles by Perin del Vaga on the piano nobile (main floor)
• Salone dei Giganti
• Tapestries and furnishings of the Doria Pamphilj family
• Italian-style garden with the Fontana del Nettuno and the Fontana dei Delfini
• Portraits and works of art from the Doria collection

Operated by

Amministrazione Doria Pamphilj

Admission & discounts

Booking the full ticket online costs €14 and the reduced ticket €12. A reduced ticket without the corresponding proof of entitlement must be topped up to the full rate. Tickets issued cannot be cancelled or changed.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A passenger lift is available for people with mobility difficulties. It is advisable to contact the office in advance for information and assistance.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is at Piazza del Principe 4.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

The bookshop at the ticket office offers publications on Genoa and Liguria, including in foreign languages, and souvenirs (open 10:00–18:00). The cloakroom for small pieces of luggage is on the first floor, while places last.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit