Rolli Days 2026: over 70,000 visitors mark UNESCO 20th anniversary

Rolli Days 2026: highlights from the UNESCO 20th anniversary edition

The spring edition of the Rolli Days, held for the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO listing under the banner "Sharing is protecting", drew over 70,000 visitors. The event demonstrated strong national and international interest in Genoa's historic palaces, with notable participation from younger visitors, particularly in the 26–35 age group.

Activities combined guided openings, targeted outreach and events designed to present both landmark residences and lesser-known heritage assets to a broader public.

• Total attendance: more than 70,000 over the three-day programme.
• New audiences: roughly 60% of attendees were first-time visitors.
• Sites opened for the first time: Badia di Sant’Andrea, the Cornigliano monastic complex and Grotta Pavese Doria.
• Most visited residences: Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Nicolosio Lomellino, Palazzo Tobia Pallavicino.
• Side events: "Rolli Live" musical flash mobs along Via Garibaldi and "Open Piano" public pianos at key palaces.

The programme emphasized three strategic strands: wider monument accessibility, cultural mediation through trained facilitators, and engagement of young professionals in the humanities. These approaches aim to increase local participation, promote shared stewardship and support long-term conservation and knowledge transfer.

Practical note for visitors: check official site pages of the individual monuments for updated opening hours and booking procedures. Major palaces maintain regular visiting programmes and often host themed guided tours and educational activities.

Why attend: Rolli Days provide a rare chance to enter interiors not usually open to the public, to see unique decorative features such as historic grottoes, and to experience live music and interpretive programming within monumental settings.