Open Sesame! Rolli Days 2019, Genoa celebrates its grand palazzi and olive oil culture

Genoa, May 3^rd-5^th. The 2019 edition of Rolli Days brings in the novelty of an innovative 360° approach to culture which takes into account its tangible and intangible dimensions: three Unesco World Heritage champions have joint forces to promote Genoa's genius loci - Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli, the Mediterranean Diet and the Art of dry stone walling - as well as its identity as a food tourism destination.
2019 Rolli Days will open the sumptuous doors of several ancient palaces, enlisted in Unesco World Heritage Sites, which in the early 17^th century were defined by Pieter Paul Rubens as examples of beauty and magnificence for the whole of Europe.

Twice a year, special openings of the swell residences are organized. The 2019 spring edition of the Rolly Days focuses on palaces as well as villas and religious complexes, an intriguing itinerary that connects the historical centre and its immediate outskirts.

Visitors explore these architectonic wonders and their spacious rooms, filled with a bounty of art treasures – paintings, frescoes, decorations… - not to forget about a varied calendar of events that enriches visits.

Heritage 360° - innovative insights into food history and culture
As anticipated, the 2019 spring edition of the Rolli Days will focus on the links between the tangible and intangible dimensions of cultural heritage. Three Unesco World Heritage champions are to join  forces to promote Genoa's genius loci - Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli, the Mediterranean Diet and the Art of dry stone walling - as well as its identity as a food tourism destination.
Iconically located in the heart of the ancient “Strada Nuova” (i.e. new street), Palazzo Tobia Pallavicino (via Garibaldi 4), on Sat. 4^th and Sun. 5^th (h 16) will host “Olive oil: the Mediterranean gold. Culture, tourism, experience”, a 60-min. event (conference + guided tasting delivered by food historian Umberto Curti) organized by the Assessorato al Turismo, Commercio e Artigianato of the Municipality of Genoa in collaboration with Ligucibario®, the PDO Olio Riviera Ligure Protection Consortium and with the Chamber of Commerce of Genoa. Free entrance, but due to limited seating capacity reservation is needed – info@ligucibario.com). English edition available – I will lead it myself.

The Palazzi dei Rolli owe their name to the "Rolls of public housing", i.e. lists (created by the Senate of the Republic of Genoa in 1576) which comprised the most important palazzi in town. It was up to their affluent owners to compete for the honour to host (all costs included) in their mansions international diplomats and aristocrats – the excellent visitors of the Superba.

Click here for further details/programme -Rolli Days 2019

Click here for an interactive map of the RolliDays Genova 2019.

Click here for an article on the history of extra virgin olive oil in Liguria

Luisa Puppo