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Villa del Principe was the residence of the only Prince that Genoa has ever had. In 1529, the valiant Admiral and warrior Andrea Doria, started the works that would lead to the construction of this wonderful palace overlooking the Gulf of Genoa. This would become the Prince’s secluded retreat upon returning from countless trips – his successors, the Doria Pamphilj family, would live here as well.
Among many famous visitors, Emperor Charles V happened to stay here for a while. He was the Holy Roman Emperor and Archduke of Austria whom Andrea Doria and Genoa had obtained independence from.

Along with his wife, Peretta Usodimare, Andrea Doria built a large Renaissance courtyard decorated with many priceless works of arts, including Perino del Vaga’s. The latter also took care of decorating and furnishing the rooms.

The Villa was then enlarged by Andrea’s successor, Giovanni Andrea Doria I, who gave it its maximum splendour. Today, Villa del Principe is a museum full of hidden treasures.

THE GARDEN

The Garden is not only a simple addition to the sumptuous beauty Doria Pamphilj residence.
In fact, it’s an important piece of the history of Genoa itself, which has witnessed and somehow recorded all changes and transformations from the XVI century until today. Namely, since Prince Andrea Doria came home, returning from his glorious battles.

The garden consists of a sloping terrace towards the sea, with Italian-designed parts and several courtyards built at different times. The part in front of the south façade was designed in the XVI century, followed by interventions by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli and architect Giovanni Ponzello. In the XIX century, Filippo Andrea V had an English park designed facing the sea. WWII bombing partially destroyed all that work, along with initial restorations of the XVI structure.

The garden now features aromatic essences and flowers of all sorts, pergolas, fountains, statues and shady colonnades. The main monuments include the XVI century dolphin fountain and that of Neptune. A large iron aviary and a cave with mosaics are definitely worth seeing as well. Right there, parties, competitions and official events were often held, honouring so many important guests.
Despite many changes and transformations, the garden of Villa del Principe has always retained its double function of natural wonder and historical treasure.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)