Dating back to 1550, it was part of the first urban development project in Europe and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Its Renaissance and Baroque palaces were designed when the Genoese Republic was at the height of its power and it really hasn’t changed since the city’s rich and powerful used to hang out there in the 16th and 17th centuries. Many of the buildings were included on the list of official Rolli Palaces; a system whereby owners of the most luxurious buildings were asked to offer hospitality to passing dignitaries, men of state or even kings. In 1882 the street was dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi. Many of the palaces are open to the public including the city hall (Palazzo Doria Tursi) and the art galleries (Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco). Even if you’re not into art just take a stroll along the street, peek in through the windows, gape up at the ceilings and gawp at the architecture. A single ticket to the to galleries and Palazzo Doria Tursi can be bought in the ticket office cum bookshop opposite Palazzo Rosso.