Genova
Genoa boasts a centuries-old tradition as a city of merchants and bankers from its great families who contributed to the artistic and architectural flowering of its streets. From the palaces in Via Balbi, named after the prestigious family whose origins date back to the fifteenth century, to Strada Nuova, whose historic residences formed part of the “Rolli degli alloggiamenti pubblici di Genova” and today are a UNESCO World Heritage site: they were the excellent buildings included in the lists (“rolli”) of noble families who had the honour of welcoming and accommodating high-ranking European politicians, an honour assigned by the drawing of lots. The same dwellings would later be used by travellers on the Grand Tour.