Discover the Renaissance of a 12th-Century Genoa Palazzo Through Modern Restoration

Beautifully restored palazzo interior with frescoes and modern decor.

Reviving History: A Tale of Two Architects and a Forgotten Palazzo

In the heart of Genoa, Italy, stands a palazzo with tales hidden within its ancient walls. This 12th-century marvel, once echoing with aristocratic laughter, underwent a magnificent transformation under the skilled hands of architects Matteo Rocca and Ronan Dunphy. Their journey was not merely about restoring history but breathing new life into space that had stood silent for decades.

From Ruins to Resplendence

When Rocca and Dunphy first gazed upon the piano nobile in 2019, the scene was grim. This ‘noble floor,’ known for its high ceilings and intricate frescoes, had succumbed to neglect. Previously a grand entertaining space, the palazzo had been chopped into apartments during the 1800s, suffering further damage from a World War II bombing. By the time the modern duo stumbled upon it, it was nothing more than a shadow of its former glory: holes in the walls, soot-covered frescoes, and no signs of modern comfort like electricity or plumbing.

Chasing Behind the Walls: Secrets Unraveled

The architects’ adventure through the palazzo was like peeling back layers of time. Dusty bookshelves and abandoned furniture were the only witnesses to the grand past that Rocca and Dunphy envisioned restoring. Their aim was not to entomb the space in history but to revive it for contemporary habitation while respecting its storied past. Their vision resulted in a harmonious one-bedroom apartment, which maintains the dignity of its age without eschewing the comfort of the present.

A Modern Touch on Timeless Beauty

Rather than creating a museum piece, Rocca and Dunphy chose to integrate modern functionalities with the palazzo’s original architectural awe. Their sharp attention to detail ensured a balance between historical preservation and contemporary living, creating a space that resonates with life and history's whispers. The architects' efforts were geared toward reviving historical narratives and redefining them for today’s context.

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