Official name of the Palace:
25. Palace of Antoniotto Cattaneo
Use:
Public use
Access:
Open to visitors
N° bussolo in 1588: 3
N° bussolo in 1599: 1
N° bussolo in 1614: 1
N° bussolo in 1664: 2
Address:
piazza della Nunziata, 2
The family recently donated it to the University of Genoa, which has began substantial restoration work. Gio. Francesco De Ferrari was also in charge of the fresco decoration that adorns the building, for which he called upon Lazzaro Tavarone, a pupil of Luca Cambiaso. The atrium and the staircase ceilings depict the story of Cleopatra, who with her majesty and power charmed the Roman general Mark Antony, and perhaps this was a way of celebrating the beauty of Delia Giustiniani, a woman of high rank and indisputable power.
The life and times of Christopher Columbus, a real self-made man, which are displayed on the vault of the great hall on the piano nobile, serve to celebrate the legitimization of the De Ferrari family, who came from humble origins and – just like Colombus – attained the highest honours of nobility by force of will and daring.