royal palace museum

This is a lovely palace in Genoa and well worth visiting. We were there on the first Sunday of the month and so entry was free (usually 5EUR). The rooms are beautiful and well presented. As other reviewers have mentioned - the mirror room and the private chapels are particularly lovely. They have done a wonderful job of upkeep given the age of the building. I appreciated that the fact that staff would ensure that people were following the directions (eg: not sitting on the original chairs). This is not a great place for people with mobility issues. They do not have anywhere to sit as you tour the rooms and I did not notice a lift (the open suites are on the second floor). Although it is possible that I might have missed it.The terrace is wonderful and as other reviewers have stated, you can get a feeling of what it must have been like to live there watching the harbour. I appreciated that there were cards in each room that gave some history and also details of certain artworks that had been written in different languages (Italian, English and French only). It made the history more accessible to a non Italian speaker. I also loved that they detailed the changes that were made over time as other families and fashions took over. I have deducted a spot for three reasons: 1 - the gardens were closed and so we couldn't visit those (although the palazzo is still definitely worth a visit); 2- because it is not particularly friendly for people with mobility issues or strollers. 3 - there was also only one bathroom down at the entrance and this isn't really enough given the number of people that visit.I probably wouldn't visit with small children (unless they were VERY well behaved) as I think the allure of the shiny art pieces and chairs would be too much and parents would be forever pulling their children off thing and would be unable to enjoy the palazzo properly.

One of the most beautiful palaces I have ever visited. Every single room you walk into is just absolutely breathtaking. One after the other just gets better. The price for this Palace is 4e which is more than worth it. You must visit this place when in Genoa.

Well worth a visit - splendid rooms are well presented. The hall of mirrors is breathtaking. Don't miss the rooftop terrace.

I agree with your reviewer Caroline T. From the terrace I imagine the wealthy viewing their ships being unloaded. They certainly "lived over the shop" in those days! I missed the mirrored room first time around and had to retrace my steps, thank goodness I did.

Only the top floor is open, but watch the video before you walk around the rooms - its well worth it. Make sure you visit the Terrace too.

The best view of the palace is from the terrace which you can reach once within the palace. It also has pretty decent collection of paintings, furniture

In what is kind of considered a dumpy city, there is rich deep history of art, commerce, and the birth of the imagination that led to the founding of the new land across the expanse of water that floated Christopher Columbus to the New World. What makes this Palazzo unique is that there have only been three owners in the last 400 years since its last major reconstruction. It is mostly intact, with much of the original art and furniture in place. It is unbelievable to think how far advanced the world was before the United States was even put on a map. Napoleon Bonaparte was honored at a state dinner here, when he arrived to check out the Palazzo's own Hall of Mirrors. If it was important enough for Napoleon, I suggest you may want to put this on your 'To Do' list.

A gorgeous old building in Genoa. You must visit it if you go there. It's just breathtaking, so much art and some rooms were unbelievable, such as the mirror room. Unfortunately I couldn't visit the garden as there was a bad weather but I've been told that it is worth visiting!

The art work is on the top floors so if that's what you want, go straight up there otherwise you will spend hours going through the palace rooms which are interesting but the artwork is rather heavy going.

One of the highlights of our stay in Genoa was a visit to the Museo di Palazzo Reale. Construction of the Palazzo began in 1618 and was enlarged after being bought by the Durazzo family in 1677. The entire second floor of the palazzo is open to the public, including the very impressive Hall of Mirrors. Artwork on display includes works by the Masters, including Rubens, Rembrandt and Van Dyck. The visit gave an insight into the life of Genoa’s wealthy residents during the 17th century.This should be a 'must see' for anyone interested in history, art or architecture.

Only part of the Palazzo Reale is open to visitors - on arrival I was directed up the stairs to I think the top floor. The museum guides are very helpful in making sure you know where to go next, as the rooms are a bit of a rabbit warren at times. The furnishings and paintings are splendid, and the hall of mirrors glitters spectacularly as it should. It's easy to imagine life in the royal court in the 19th century when surrounded by what are apparently the original furnishings and ornaments. The information provided in the rooms was a little sparse, and in one room didn't seem to relate to the items in the room at all. I wondered if the sign was in the wrong place.I also thought the museum was a bit dusty and not well looked after. I was surprised that with all the precious objects inside, so many windows were open directly to the outside, with no attempt to maintain museum air quality.The views from the windows and from the terrace are very nice. The garden with the paving around the pond looks lovely from above, although walking through it, it was obvious that it needed a bit more attention.I enjoyed my visit, but if I'd had less time, I would prefer the Palazzo Spinola to this museum.

If you have some time to spare in Genoa, this is well worth a visit. They have a short film at the beginning of the visit, in English, to give you a background history of the Palace.The Guides are very friendly & speak English well enough to answer any queries & were knowledgable about each room we visited.

We happened upon this furnished palace going from our hotel wandering into old town Genoa. I like to see the wall coverings, elaborate furniture, floors, drapes, paintings, lighting... Not just a big empty palace! And this place had it all! Starting with the carriage in the foyer, then up the wide stairs to the third floor where there were about 25 furnished rooms. This was similar to the Pitti Palace in Florence. Tour starts with a short film about palace and family history. Good to watch. Then each room has a placard that you can carry around which explains the different furnishings and paintings found in the room. Magnificent mirrored ballroom also with chandeliers! Interesting also to see the "sedans" that a single person would be carried through the streets although I don't know how a woman would have gotten her dress in there so probably man transportation!Also at one point you exit out onto a beautiful veranda and walk overlooking the harbor! Beautiful view!Definately worth the small 4 euro charge.

I visited this museum while my husband back in February. My husband had to work so I toured the city during my free time. I chose this place using Trip Advisor and it was the a great choice. It is one of the most beautiful palaces that I have seen in all of Europe. It also manages to look and feel like a home, whereas a lot of these other palaces do not. I recommend this place to anyone who visits Genoa.

Firstly we walked in to look at the gardens and we were offered free entry to the museum. Actually we were walking around filling in time. What a magnificent find! It reminded us of the palace of Versailles and even had a spectacular hall of mirrors. The decoration and artworks are so worth seeing.