Originally called Strada Nuova (New Street) or Via Aurea (Golden Street), this street was built to meet the needs of the grandest among the 16th-century Genoese aristocracy who, elevated to the social rank of bankers and financiers, demanded newer and more prestigious accommodation, through which their wealth and pomp would be well and truly celebrated. This is one of the most interesting streets in the world from the architectural point of view, one that truly fascinated Peter Paul Rubens for the beauty of its palaces, and that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, together with 42 of the Palazzi dei Rolli, the so-called Rolli Buildings. Chosen as the city’s new thoroughfare, beginning in 1558 this area was divided into plots that were used for the construction of exquisite mansions, which nowadays are home to the City Council, banks, clubs and cultural societies, antiquarians, shops, offices and a few of the city’s most prominent museums. Accessing Via Garibaldi from Piazza Fontane Marose, one cannot but be fascinated by the row of 12 Rolli Buildings. To the left is Palazzo Nicolosio Lomellino with its splendid grotto; directly opposite is the entrance to Palazzo Tobia Pallavicino (Carega Cataldi), where visitors can take a peek at the grand double-flight staircase and the hallway frescoes. The magnificent Hall of Mirrors (Sala degli Specchi) of this palace is open for pre-booked tours only. Roughly half way down the street, on the right hand side is Palazzo Doria Tursi, home to the City Council, whose façade is three times longer than any other in the street and the only one with two lateral hanging gardens. Both donated to the City of Genoa by the Dukes of Galliera and home to important city museums, 18th-century Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco guard the end of this remarkable ‘new’ street. Prominent museums, fascinating hallways and gardens are all fine; however, a leisurely stroll up and down this street with one’s nose up in the air, looking at the fronts of these palaces, is a pleasure that no visitor to Genoa should miss.