Though the palace seems designed for royalty, it was actually built in the early 17th century for the Balbi family, who sold it to the wealthy Durazzo family just a few decades later. Originally called Palazzo Balbi, it only became the Royal Palace in the 19th century when the Royal House of Savoy moved in. The Palazzo Reale is now a museum filled with a collection of fine antique furniture and decorated with frescoes, stuccowork, and paintings by important artists, such as Tintoretto and van Dyck.
The Museo di Palazzo Reale is an unforgettable stop on Genoa walking tours and one of the city's main attractions, along with the Nautical Museum (Galata Museo del Mare) and Genoa Aquarium. If touring independently, book admission in advance so you can skip the lines upon arrival.