The secrets gardens of Palazzo Lomellino
Genoa is a city of contrasts: its sumptuous palazzi are just a stone’s throw from the alleys housing the people working in the port. Once a great maritime power, the republic of Genoa frequently hosted European royalty and aristocracy. To accommodate its visitors, an original system – known as « Palazzi Rolli » was set up in 1576. Each palazzo was listed and classified according to its prestige:
Category I for viceroys, princes and cardinals,
Category II to governors and ambassadors,
Categories III and IV to small feudatories.
Amongst the 42 palazzi is Palazzo Lomellini, located in via Garibaldi. Built in 1965 for Nicolosio Lomellini, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
A GARDEN DESIGNED NY DOMENICO PARODI.
Built adjacent to a hillside, Palazzo Lomellini houses a marvelous – almost secret – garden, filled with fountains, grottoes and sculptures, designed by the Italian sculptor Domenico Parodi.
The son of Filippo Parodi, a famous Italian sculptor, Domenico inherited the studio in 1702, on the death of his father.
Palazzo Lomellini testifies to his incredible ability to merge his skills as painter, architect and sculptor.
As well as being in charge of the interior design of the palazzo, Parodi painted the frescoes on the walls and ceilings of the palazzo and designed the exterior terraces and the fountains and grottos in the gardens.
The garden of Palazzo Lomellini is designed in continuity with its interior: the frescoes painted by Parodi inside seem to be brought to life outside…
With their grottos and fountains, the outdoor space is perfectly representative of the Baroque style of the time.
Shop the look
