Villa Brignole Sale (Duchessa di Galliera)
20 Via San Nazaro
About
Built between the 16th and 17th centuries in the Voltri region, at the very edge of the present day "Grande Genova", the villa underwent reconstruction work in the nineteenth century, at the wishes of the owner Maria Brignole Sale, the Duchess of Galliera. A cultured and refined woman, a benefactress of the city, who was to furnish the Palazzo Bianchi and Palazzo Rosso with the respective art collections, as well as donating large amounts of money to charitable trusts, the duchess left this villa, and the enormous park surrounding it to the city council. The estate is actually known not so much because of the villa, but on account of the 25 hectares of land around it, including an Italian garden, the sanctuary of N. S. delle Grazie, and several other eclectic buildings like the "Latteria" (dairy), the castle and the "Café". Walking round the park, you cross large green areas, with woods, grottoes and meadows where a herd of friendly deer live in captivity; fun for the children and another excuse to leave the hustle and bustle of the city to immerse yourself in this natural oasis of calm.
