A Genoese palace built to mirror the heroic defiance of a biblical queen

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the heart of Genoa stands a UNESCO-listed mansion that hides a profound political allegory within its walls. Rebuilt by Doge Giacomo Lomellini in the 17th century, the palace features frescoes that equate the biblical heroine Esther with the Doge’s own survival against conspiracies and foreign sieges.

The Palazzo Giacomo Lomellini, also known as Palazzo Patrone, is situated at Largo Zecca 2 in Genoa. It was constructed between 1619 and 1623 by Giacomo Lomellini, who served as Doge of Genoa from 1625 to 1627. The project involved uniting two ancestral building units into a single residence, designed with a focus on symmetry and a 'royal entrance' that originally featured a nymphaeum. On 13 July 2006, the site was officially inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, representing one of the 42 palaces of the Rolli di Genova.

The interior of the palace is notable for a cycle of frescoes by Domenico Fiasella depicting the Stories of Esther. These works were inspired by the contemporary literary piece La Reina Esther by Ansaldo Cebà. The choice of this biblical theme was deeply political: Esther, who risked her life to save her people, served as an allegory for Doge Lomellini’s own leadership. During his tenure, the Doge successfully navigated severe challenges, including the De Marini conspiracy, the Giulio Cesare Vachero conspiracy, and a siege by Carlo Emanuele I of Savoy, whom he defeated despite being outnumbered.

The building’s history reflects the changing tides of Genoese society. After the Lomellini family sold the property to the Patrone family around 1855, it remained in their hands until 1897. The Genoa City Council then acquired the mansion, partially demolishing a corner to widen the street. In 1923, Antonio Orazio Quinzio oversaw renovations, including the addition of new vaulting and grotesque decorations. Following a stint as the seat of the municipal offices and the Genoese Fascio in 1928, the palace has served as the headquarters for the Italian Army Military Command in Liguria since 1945.

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