Villa del Principe

Villa del Principe in Genoa
Genoa’s grandest and most opulent noble residence, Villa del Principe was the abode of the only Prince that ever lived in Genoa. Andrea Doria, a skilled admiral and legendary military figure, initiated the construction of this splendid Palazzo overlooking the Gulf of Genoa in 1529. It was to become his sanctuary upon returning from countless voyages and the chosen residence for his successors, the Doria Pamphilj family. It was here that Emperor Charles V was hosted during an official visit to the city, the same emperor from whom Doria had succeeded in obtaining the independence of Genoa from the empire, effectively becoming the ruler of the city.
Together with his wife, Peretta Usodimare, Andrea Doria orchestrated the creation of a magnificent Renaissance court at the Villa, which attracted esteemed artists like the renowned Perino del Vaga, who was entrusted with decorating and furnishing most of the rooms. The Villa was later expanded by Andrea’s successor, Giovanni Andrea I Doria, culminating in the zenith of its grandeur.
Today, Villa del Principe is a museum brimming with hidden treasures. To relive its resplendence, one simply needs to stroll through its chambers, marvelling at its splendid frescoes and exquisite tapestries.

The history of Villa del Principe
Villa del Principe was built between 1527 and 1533 by Andrea Doria, admiral of Charles V’s fleet. Orphaned at a young age by both parents, Andrea began a brilliant career as a ‘soldier of fortune’ in the service of the Pope, Giovanni della Rovere and King François I of France, before forming an alliance with the Spanish emperor in the summer of 1528.
After achieving the pinnacle of his power and securing advantageous conditions for Genoa, the naval leader then embarked on the construction of his residence for his ‘honesto otio’ (‘honest leisure time’), as an inscription on the north façade of the building proudly proclaims. Doria enlisted the talents of Florentine artist Pietro Buonaccorsi, known as Perin del Vaga, who was a versatile pupil of Raphael, to oversee the design and construction of Genoa’s first fully Renaissance residence. The artist drew inspiration from the model of the Hellenistic-Roman porticoed Villa: a long monumental portico extends towards the splendid Italianate garden, leading the eye to the sea. It was here that the formidable galleys of the Doria fleet were moored, right in front of the splendid residence.
For the main ‘piano nobile’ floor, Perin del Vaga conceived a cycle of paintings of extraordinary beauty, inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses and aimed at celebrating the patron and his lineage. Andrea Doria’s successors, which included his immensely wealthy great-grandson Giovani Andrea I, continued to embellish the residence and its gardens. The uniqueness of the Villa, within the broad panorama of Genoese historic residences, lies in the continuity of its family ownership to this day. The Doria Pamphilj princes continue to personally oversee the ongoing restoration work to this day and ensure that the Palazzo remains open to visitors.

Places of interest in the vicinity
Commenda di San Giovanni di Pré museum and cultural centre, Abbey of San Fruttuoso, San Giovanni di Pré Church, Galata Sea Museum, Aquarium of Genoa.