The Via Garibaldi is the ideal starting point for an exploration of Genoa‘s historic center. it is one of the three streets that were known as Strade Nuove (“New Streets”). The other two are Via Cairoli and Via Balbi.
Via Garibaldi Genoa
History and description
The Via Garibaldi was constructed in the middle of the 16th century. From an architectural point of view, it is one of the most beautiful streets in Italy. It was intended to bring together the city’s most important inhabitants in one street.
The original name, because of the splendor of the palaces, was Via Aurea. Later this became Via Nuova dei Palazzi and finally in 1882, after the death of this national hero, the street was renamed Via Garibaldi.
Genoa’s wealthiest residents had always tended to settle in exclusive and luxurious neighborhoods. With the current Via Garibaldi, this culminated in a boom. When Rubens saw the palaces he made sketches of them to show as examples to the Antwerp nobility.
Today these palaces are occupied by banks, offices and all kinds of stores. The town hall is also located in one of the houses.
The Palazzo Podestà is one of the famous palaces in Via Garibaldi.