Palazzo Ducale, the seat of CoastGIS'03

click on the circles to visit Palazzo Ducale

The construction of the Palazzo Ducale in Genoa began during the second half of the XIII century, commissioned by Alberto Fieschi, on the seat of the former Porta di Serravalle (Serravalle Gate) and in 1274, the Palazzo became the seat of the Capitano del Popolo (People's Leader)
In 1291, the People's Leaders Oberto Spinola and Corrado Doria, bought all the neighbouring the houses, while three years later, after the exile of the Fieschi family, they acquired the palazzo with its tower, and started the construction of the first nucleus of the seat of the Town Government.
It has been named "Ducale" since 1339, when it became the seat of the first Genoese Doge, Simon Boccanegra.
During the 14th century the Palace was enlarged, other buildings were added to the original one to fulfil the need for an inner square.
During the 16th century, the Palazzo Ducale acquired a new appearance which would represent more fittingly the new oligarchic Republic. Andrea Ceresola from Ticino, better known as "Vannone", was given the task of modernizing the building in 1591. The work of this artist changed the general aspect of the Palace, now enlarged with a grand covered hall, next to which were two different shaped yards.
The imposing double staircase, which goes up to the lodges on the first floor, was also ascribed to Vannone. The Western flight leads directly to the Great Council Hall (Sala del Maggior Consiglio), the Minor Council Hall (Sala del Minor Consiglio), to the dogal Suite and to the Chapel
The Chapel, in the same lodge, is a simple rectangular room entirely decorated by Giovanni Battista Carlone (1653-55). On the vault a series of frescoes refers to the glorification of the Virgin Queen, on the occasion of the proclamation of Mary as Queen of Genoa.
The intention to celebrate the glories of the town is evident in the subject chosen for the frescoes on the side wall, where examples of civic virtues are represented and inserted in a "trompe l'oeil" architectonic frame.
Apart from this set of paintings, is the fresco by Domenico Fiasella (17th century) on the left flight of stairs. This painting represents God the Father with the dead Christ in his lap surrounded by Mary and the Patron Saints Baptist, George and Bernard.
In 1777 several parts of the Palace were destroyed by a fire. The Ticinese neo-classical architect Simone Cantoni, was charged with the reconstruction of the central side of the building and with the inner decoration.
Some restoration works carried out in the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century contributed furtherly in altering the original structure of the Palazzo. A decorated façade was built specially by Orlando Grosso for the construction of the new De Ferrari square on the Eastern Side of the Palace.
Thanks to Architect Giovanni Spalla, in 1992 the building complex has regained its original architecture, mantainig at the same time, its links with the past.
Since then, the Palazzo has been seat of many important events, among which the G8 meeting in 2001.

for more information: http://www.palazzoducale.genova.it