Prince's Villa (Villa del Principe - Villa Doria Pamphilj)

It might take some imagination to believe that this was once a country villa outside the city centre with a private entrance to the sea. Now, although it’s been squashed in by the station the traffic, it is still a marvelous testimony to the wealth and power of Genoa’s honorary Prince, Andrea Doria. Building started in 1529 and it was here that the Prince once hosted officials and kings, most notably Emperor Charles V, King of Spain. It was Charles who presented Doria with the enormous tapestries showing scenes from the life of Alexander the Great. Other must-sees include the Battle of Lepanto tapestries, The Hall of the Giants frescoed by Perin del Vaga, the Golden Gallery, the prince’s apartments and the princess’s apartments. There’s a beautiful garden and fountain too, especially beautiful in the warmer months. Free audio-guides will give you more detailed information on all of these. It’s not in the centre of town but easy to reach by train or metro (Principe) or any of the buses heading out west. Especially handy if you want something to do near the station or ferry terminals and haven’t got time to get into town.