Commissioned by the Genovese noble Emanuele Brignole who dedicated his life to good works, the Albergo dei Poveri (Paupers’ Hotel) was a public institute offering assistance and shelter to a range of Genoa’s disadvantaged inhabitants.
Building commenced in 1656 in the heart of valletta di Carbonara and continued for 200 years: delayed first by the plague (approximately 10,000 corpses are buried in the foundations), then by the technical difficulty of adapting the structure to sloping land. The building has been used for other purposes since the 1990s. Today the east wing houses the Political Science faculty of Genoa university.
The massive building, on a square layout, comprises multiple settings, some restored, others disused and abandoned. It offers a long facade, a central building with two lateral bodies culminates in an imposing pediment. In the centre of the first floor, a single-naved church dedicated to the Virgin Mary is surrounded by four large internal courtyards. Over the years, the Albergo has acquired many prestigious artworks, paintings and sculptures.
Genova Liguria Film Commission
Villa Durazzo Bombrini — Via L. A. Muratori 5 (ingresso principale) — 16152 Genova Cornigliano
Phone: +39 010 868 0850
Fax: +39 010 868 1399
Email: info@glfc.it
