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MANDATORY DOCUMENTS TO HIRE A CAR
IDENTITY DOCUMENT
In order to hire a car in Italy, you should bring along your Identity Card, or passport.
CREDIT CARD
You will also need a credit card (not prepaid or debit card).
DRIVER’S LICENSE
Of course, even for the wedding car hire, you shall possess and show a valid driving license, written in Roman characters.
Genoa, a city emblematic of maritime and commercial power during the Renaissance, is celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its New Streets and the Rolli Palaces system.
These urban pathways symbolize the city's transformation in the 16th century, guided by visionaries like Andrea Doria. The New Streets, exceptionally level for their time, facilitated revolutionary urban growth.
The Rolli Palaces system encompasses a collection of noble buildings, each designated to host distinguished visitors, showcasing Genoa's economic and political might. Andrea Doria, a renowned admiral and statesman, played a pivotal role. His leadership led Genoa to a golden age, solidifying its influence in the Mediterranean. The city became a hub of the Renaissance, influencing artists, architects, and intellectuals.
Artworks, squares, and palaces still bear witness to Genoa's cultural excellence. This UNESCO recognition underscores the historical and architectural significance of Genoa, urging the preservation of its rich heritage for future generations.
New Streets of Genoa
The Strade Nuove of Genoa
The Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli in Genoa are among the most fascinating architectural jewels in Italy. Located in the historic center of Genoa, these palaces represent the height of the economic and cultural power of the Republic of Genoa during the 16th and 17th centuries. In 2006, they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their historical importance and exceptional architectural value.
History of the Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli
During the peak of the Republic of Genoa, between the 16th and 17th centuries, the city experienced extraordinary economic and social growth. This development led to the construction of the Strade Nuove (New Streets) and a system of noble residences known as the Palazzi dei Rolli.
The Strade Nuove were conceived as a series of wide, straight streets, designed to house the residences of the most influential noble and mercantile families. The Palazzi dei Rolli were lavish palaces used to host illustrious visitors, such as ambassadors, dignitaries, and nobles, during official visits to Genoa.
The Strade Nuove
The Strade Nuove represent an extraordinary example of Renaissance urban planning, with a layout reflecting the power and ambition of Genoa's noble families. The main streets that make up the Strade Nuove are Via Garibaldi, Via Balbi, and Via Cairoli.
Via Garibaldi
Originally known as Strada Nuova, Via Garibaldi is the most famous of the Strade Nuove, renowned for its architectural beauty and concentration of historic palaces. This street was designed as a grand residential avenue and is the most complete example of Renaissance urbanism.
- Palazzo Rosso: Home to an art collection featuring works by Italian and European masters.
- Palazzo Bianco: Famous for its elegant facade and collection of ancient paintings.
- Palazzo Doria Tursi: The seat of Genoa’s city hall and art collections, including Paganini’s famous violin.
Via Balbi
Built in the 17th century, Via Balbi is another of the Strade Nuove that exemplifies Genoa’s urban expansion. The street is known for its majestic palaces and its historical importance as a political and cultural hub.
- Palazzo Reale: A royal residence with sumptuous interiors and panoramic gardens.
- University of Genoa: A prominent academic institution housed in several historic palaces.
- Church of San Carlo alle Mortelle: A baroque religious building with elaborate decorations.
Via Cairoli
Part of the Strade Nuove system, Via Cairoli is characterized by elegant buildings and a vibrant atmosphere, today serving as an important commercial and cultural area.
The Palazzi dei Rolli System
The Palazzi dei Rolli were a series of noble residences listed in special official registers known as "rolli," which classified the palaces based on their prestige and their ability to host dignitaries. These palaces reflect the economic and political power of Genoa’s noble families and their taste for art and architecture.
Architectural Features
The Palazzi dei Rolli are known for their elaborate architecture, combining Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements. The facades often feature decorative details such as frescoes, stucco work, and monumental portals. The interiors of the palaces are equally spectacular, with decorated halls, grand staircases, and inner courtyards.
- Palazzo Spinola di Pellicceria: Home to the National Gallery of Liguria, featuring works of art and historic furnishings.
- Palazzo Lomellino: Known for its frescoes and secret garden.
- Palazzo Grimaldi: One of several residences of the powerful Grimaldi family, famous for its interior decorations.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli represent a unique example of Italian Renaissance urban and architectural development. These sites demonstrate Genoa’s central role as a maritime and commercial power in the Mediterranean during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Inclusion in Genoa’s Rolli system was a symbol of prestige and power, as only the most luxurious and well-designed palaces could host visiting dignitaries. This system fostered competition among noble families to build the grandest and most decorated residences, contributing to the city’s architectural heritage.
Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli: World Heritage Site
In 2006, UNESCO declared the Strade Nuove and the Palazzi dei Rolli system a World Heritage Site, recognizing their historical significance and exceptional architectural beauty. This designation highlights Genoa’s global importance as a center of culture and commerce in the Mediterranean.
The inclusion on the World Heritage list has promoted the preservation and enhancement of these sites, encouraging the protection and promotion of their extraordinary architectural and historical heritage.
Visiting the Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli
The Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli offer a unique opportunity to explore the historic heart of Genoa and discover the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Visitors can stroll through the historic streets, admire the palaces, and immerse themselves in the history of this fascinating city.
- Guided Tours: Organized tours allow visitors to discover the history and architecture of the palaces with expert guides.
- Cultural Events: Genoa hosts numerous cultural events and festivals celebrating the city’s heritage.
- Museums and Exhibitions: The palaces often host art exhibitions and historical displays that enrich the visitor experience.
How to Get to the Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli
Genoa is easily accessible thanks to its strategic location on the Ligurian coast, with various transport options available:
- By Plane: Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport offers domestic and international flights, with direct connections to the city via taxi and bus.
- By Train: Genoa Piazza Principe railway station is well-connected to major Italian cities, such as Milan, Turin, and Rome.
- By Car: Genoa can be reached via the A7 (Milan-Genoa) and A10 (Ventimiglia-Genoa) motorways.
- By Ship: The Port of Genoa is one of Italy’s largest, with regular connections to destinations in the Mediterranean.
Traveler Tips
To make the most of your visit to the Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli, here are some useful tips:
- Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes to explore the cobbled streets of the historic center.
- Guide: Consider hiring a tour guide to deepen your knowledge of the palaces and Genoa’s history.
- Opening Hours: Check the opening times of the palaces and museums, as they may vary seasonally.
The Strade Nuove and the Palazzi dei Rolli system of Genoa represent a unique heritage that combines history, architecture, and culture. These sites offer a glimpse into Genoa’s grandeur as a maritime and cultural power, inviting visitors to discover the legacy of one of Italy’s most fascinating cities.
Exploring the Strade Nuove and Palazzi dei Rolli means immersing yourself in an extraordinary architectural legacy, discovering the beauty and history of Genoa through the centuries. A trip to this city is an unforgettable experience that brings together the past and the present, offering a unique perspective on Italian culture.
Travel Safely! Discover our excess reduction for theft and damages
Travel with complete peace of mind! Purchase our excess reduction options.
The standard rate charged to hire a car from B-Rent, already includes a limitation of liability for the Renter. This implies that in the unlucky event that your hire car is stolen or damaged, you won't be liable to reimburse the entire cost of the vehicle to the Company. This provided that you have not decided to further reduce your liability for theft and damages, purchasing our excess reduction while booking online or before picking up your hire car. For further details, please, check our General Rental Terms and Conditions.
OUR EXCESS REDUCTION OPTIONS
Free to drive
The Free to Drive formula reduces the security deposit for your hire car to 90€ and charges for theft and damages to 0 €
The Free to Drive option allows you to reduce the security deposit to just €90, and charges in case of damage or theft to €0. Free to Drive enables the renter to completely cancel their liability in the event of damage and/or theft of the vehicle, except for damages or theft resulting from the customer's negligence. However, this applies differently exclusively for categories J, J Top, J SUV, and J Hybrid, where, while completely eliminating damage charges, Free to Drive requires a security deposit of €840 and a theft excess of €750. Starting from May 15, 2023, when purchasing the Free to Drive option, roadside assistance is also included in the package.
Comfort Cover
The Comfort Cover option reduces the security deposit to €490 and the theft excess to a maximum of €400
The Comfort Cover option reduces the security deposit to €490 and the theft excess to a maximum of €400, eliminating the damage excess.* Comfort Cover provides a reduction of the theft excess to just €400 with a security deposit of €490 and total elimination of the damage excess.* However, for vehicles belonging to groups J, J Top, and J SUV, the theft excess will be €750, while the security deposit will be €840. *Except for damages to: tires, undercarriage, roof, and windows up to a maximum of €400.
Free to Drive and Comfort Cover do not cover damages resulting from the negligence or carelessness of the renter, such as incorrect refueling (diesel instead of petrol, or vice versa), damage to the interiors (loss/damage of: reflective jacket, child seat, snow chains, vehicle registration document, satellite navigator, insurance certificate, vehicle keys, license plate), damages to wheels/tires/windows due to the driver's recklessness (e.g., driving on unpaved roads or driving under the influence), as well as breakdowns resulting from natural disasters. For rentals issued in Campania, in the event of an accident, the customer will be required to pay €1,200 (basic rental), €1,000 (Comfort Cover), and €850 (Free to Drive).
What is the interior of a trullo like?
The interiors of a trullo are characterized by a compact and cozy space, with thick stone walls that help maintain a stable indoor temperature both in summer and winter. The domed ceiling, often conical in shape, creates a distinctive and atmospheric feel. The rooms, typically small, are often connected by stone arches and feature niches and alcoves that can be used for storage or as small altars. The furnishings are usually simple, with wooden furniture, and the space is arranged functionally to make the most of the available area. The interior environment of a *trullo* reflects the tradition and authenticity of rural Apulian architecture, offering an intimate and evocative living experience.
In what state of cleanliness must the vehicle be returned at the end of the rental?
Customers must return the rented vehicles in excellent condition of cleanliness. If the vehicle is not clean upon return, the customer will have to pay a cleaning fee of €15.
At the time of vehicle pickup, it is possible to purchase the PREPAID CAR WASHING service for €15.00.
If the rented vehicle is returned in excellent condition of cleanliness, there will be no charges at pick-up or drop-off.