The Ducal Palace

This magnificent building in Genova, Italy, has had several names since its construction was started in the 13th century. In the 13th century the Genoese head of state was called the "Captain of the People" They were usually members the Doria family. In 1272 the Doria's rivals, the Fieschi family, was exiled and their palace was in use as the seat of the "Captain of the People". In 1291 the "Captain", Corrado Doria and Oberto Spinola (essentially Doria's co-dictator) purchased both the Fieschi palace and the adjacent Doria palace to be combined into seat of government. In 1339, the name of the head of state had changed to "Doge". The first incumbent of that position, Simone de Boccanegra, took the title "ducale" and the palace became the "Ducal Palace". Structural development took place in the 14th and 15th century including housing for a resident garrison so necessary to prevent a Coupe d'etat during these turbulent periods. The origin of the palace, as 2 separate palaces has resulted in 2, quite different, facades. One of these is on Piazza Giaccamo Matteotti and the other is on Piazza de Ferrari. In 1778 a massive fire destroyed much of the central part of the lavish building. This resulted in a competition for the redevelopment won by Simone Cantoni who was responsible for the famous marble facade, on Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, and the neoclassical construction of the two council chambers. In 1815 the Republic of Genova was annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia and the palace lost its governmental functions (which remained the case after the unification of Italy). Until as late as 1975 the palace was the seat of the head of the local judiciary. Restoration during the time up to WW2 included the repair and repainting of the colourful facade on the Piazza de Ferrari. Damage occurred during bombing by the USAAF in 1942 but in 1992 it was restored fully (by the City) as part of the celebrations to commemorate 500 years since Columbus' discovery of the Americas. It was opened to the public as a magnificent museum and palace of culture. It regularly houses temporary art exhibits including installations outside the building. In November 2023 outside the palace on Piazza de Ferrari was a remarkable sculpture showing a figure sitting precariously on a column of stone blocks. Both the building itself and both temporary and permanent exhibits make it a very worthwhile place to visit. The highlight however is, possibly, the fantastic chapel.