Genova celebra i Palazzi dei Rolli: un anno di eventi per il ventennale UNESCO

With the arrival of 2026, Genoa celebrates a major milestone: the twentieth anniversary of the inscription of the Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. This recognition covers the Strade Nuove area—a link between the medieval streets to the south and the modern districts to the north—and the Rolli complex: a network of 42 UNESCO-listed historic palaces and over one hundred private noble residences which, under a specific regulatory system, were placed at the disposal of the Republic of Genoa to host visiting heads of state.

To mark this anniversary, the city is promoting an extensive program of activities and initiatives. The celebrations will begin on February 10th at 10:00 AM at the Teatro Ivo Chiesa with an inaugural conference. This event, featuring Giacomo Montanari—City Councilor for Culture, the Enhancement of Artistic and Cultural Heritage, and the Management of Cultural Institutions—alongside art historian Dr. Maria Clelia Galassi, will explore the role of heritage in the contemporary world. The commemorative journey will then culminate in the two highly anticipated editions of the Rolli Days, scheduled for March 26–28 and October 16–18.

The project’s objective, as stated by the Councilor, can be summarized by the motto "sharing is protecting": an invitation to make cultural sites increasingly accessible to foster a sense of informed citizenship. This approach emphasizes that the site is not merely a tourist showcase, but a living resource—a testament to a Genoa capable of innovating, engaging in dialogue, and building extraordinarily modern urban and social models.

Edited by Ada Cardani