AT THE TOP
TORRE GRIMALDINA | PALAZZO DUCALE
GENOVA
Climb the Grimaldina Tower: a multisensory journey through historic prisons and a breathtaking 360° view.
Discover the secrets and heritage of the Doge’s Palace Tower.
The Grimaldina Tower and the ancient dungeons: back to the Top
A powerful symbol of the city’s identity.
With its grand public bell and its flag soaring high, it has stood at the top for centuries.
THE SITE
A vertical journey through layers of history and overlapping centuries – a place where adventures and tragedies are etched into the very walls.
THE EMOTION
Ascend through evocative spaces that gradually open up, leading to a breathtaking terrace. Discover the true beauty of Genoa from above.
THE RESTORATION
Technology, heritage preservation, and sustainable design. A careful selection of materials to create a vertical path toward the future of the Tower.
The People’s Tower: A Great Landmark
The Tower already existed before the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) was built, originally part of a private medieval building later acquired by the Municipality for public use.
By the early 14th century, historical records already mention the tower: as part of the seat of Government, it housed the “Great Bell” (campana grossa) used to summon the Elders to Council and the citizens to Assembly.
15th-century records also name the craftsman (N. de Ricio) who created the official banner hoisted atop the palace’s “Great Tower“.
The name “Great Tower” likely originated from a comparison with the nearby tower of the Serravalle Palace, which at the time was smaller in size.
The Dungeons within the Tower
Over the centuries, as the entire palace was expanded and transformed, the tower maintained its symbolic role at the top. Meanwhile, the lower and middle levels were adapted for different uses, eventually being converted into prisons during the 16th century. These spaces were redesigned with vaulted ceilings, a narrow stone staircase, and iron bars concealed within the floors and interior walls.
The prison system extended into the palace’s southwest attic, featuring a corridor of cells that remained in use until the 20th century.
The atmosphere of these rooms is profoundly marked by layers of inscriptions and graffiti – some even painted – that cover the walls. These layers tell fragmented stories of suffering, hope, and tragedy, echoing through the centuries.
AT THE TOP | THE TOWER: BETWEEN MEMORY AND THE HORIZON
An immersive experience blending the memories of historic dungeons with cutting-edge multimedia technology. A vertical ascent that transforms the silence of the cells into a breathtaking 360° panorama over the city of Genoa.
How to find the Grimaldina Tower
The Grimaldina Tower is located at Piazza Matteotti 9, inside the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), in the heart of Genoa’s historic center.
Opening Hours
Hours in effect from April 2026 to September 2026.
- Monday - 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM)
- Tuesday - 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM)
- Wednesday - 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM)
- Thursday - 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM)
- Friday - 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:00 PM)
- Saturday - 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:00 PM)
- Sunday - 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:00 PM)
Have questions about the Grimaldina Tower?
AT THE TOP: FAQ
It is not exactly clear who first gave it this name. We know that since the Middle Ages, a prison called “Grimaldina” existed nearby, though it was not originally located within the tower itself.
A very long time ago… it originated as the tower of a magnificent medieval private residence.
Because it serves as the civic bell tower of the government palace. Its purpose was to summon rulers to meetings and, on special occasions, to call all citizens to assembly.
It is believed to have started in the 16th century. The transformation happened gradually; at one point, the original bell chamber was converted into a prison cell (and a new floor was built to move the bell even higher).
How to reach the Grimaldina Tower | AT THE TOP
The Grimaldina Tower and its AT THE TOP experience are easily accessible on foot, by public transport, or by car.
By Public Transport
The Palace is located in the city center and is easily reachable from the main railway stations: Genova Piazza Principe and Genova Brignole. You can take the AMT public transport (bus) and get off at Piazza De Ferrari, or arrive by Metro (De Ferrari station). The Tower is also just a short walk away: about 10 minutes from Brignole station and 15 minutes from Piazza Principe. If you are coming from the Porto Antico (EXPO) or the Aquarium, you can reach Palazzo Ducale in just a few minutes via Via San Lorenzo.
By Car
For those arriving from the North or West (A7/A10 motorways), take the Genova Ovest exit, follow the "Sopraelevata" (elevated road), and take the 2nd exit: "Centro città – P.zza Corvetto". For those coming from the East (A12), take the Genova Est exit and follow signs for the Brignole railway station, then head toward the center via Via D’Aste and Piazza Dante. To check real-time parking availability near Palazzo Ducale, visit the: MobilityPoint del Comune di Genova (select "Centro" area).
walls listen more than men...
AT THE TOP
Where the walls speak again
Ascend the Grimaldina Tower, relive history.
Much more than a visit, a total immersion.
Explore the prison levels through an immersive sound design and cinematic visions that bring the historical cells back to life.
Discover the secrets of the most illustrious prisoners as you ascend to the rhythm of the music, reaching the panoramic terrace to dominate the rooftops of the historic center.
VISITOR RULES AND ACCESS REGULATIONS: GRIMALDINA TOWER
1. NATURE OF THE SITE AND SAFETY
The Grimaldina Tower is a historic building with structural features not comparable to modern buildings. It includes, among other things: steep and uneven stairs (120 steps), narrow and confined spaces, low ceilings, uneven surfaces, and views from considerable heights. These characteristics may involve risks (e.g., impacts, falls, difficulty in moving). Visitors must always exercise the utmost caution during the visit and follow signage and staff instructions, including in unforeseen or emergency situations.
2. ACCESS
Access is permitted only with a valid ticket. The ticket must be kept and shown upon request. Re-entry is not allowed unless otherwise indicated. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Access is not permitted to individuals with heart conditions, those prone to vertigo, or those whose health conditions are incompatible with climbing and steep stairs, persons in an altered state, or unaccompanied minors.
3. GENERAL RULES OF CONDUCT
Visitors must, among other things, behave respectfully toward other visitors and the Tower, follow designated routes, comply with staff instructions, and proceed with caution. Any behavior that may endanger one’s own safety or that of others is prohibited.
4. SPECIFIC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Visitors must use the protective equipment provided, wear non-bulky clothing, and suitable footwear (preferably no high heels, flip-flops, sandals, or other shoes that may cause slipping). Running, pushing, or stopping in critical areas is prohibited, as well as leaning over, climbing, or crossing barriers and other route-marking signs.
5. OBJECTS AND STORAGE
Introducing dangerous objects is prohibited. Staff may deny access with bulky items. Access with large bags or backpacks is not permitted, and these cannot be stored at the Tower.
6. GENERAL PROHIBITIONS
It is prohibited to: bring animals (except guide dogs), smoke (including e-cigarettes), consume food and beverages outside authorized areas, bring unauthorized alcohol, or disturb other visitors.
7. FILMING AND USE OF DEVICES
Professional filming without authorization is prohibited, as is the use of flash, tripods, and bulky equipment. Mobile phones and other devices must be used discreetly and without causing disturbance.
8. ROUTES AND USE OF THE TOWER
Visitors must follow designated routes and are prohibited from accessing unauthorized areas. Touchingstructures, furnishings, or architectural elements is strictly forbidden.
9. ACCOMPANIED GROUPS
Groups must behave in an orderly manner. Staff may interrupt unauthorized activities or intervene in case of inappropriate behavior by the group or its members.
10. EVENTS AND FOOD & BEVERAGE SERVICE
During events involving food and beverage service, behavior must remain appropriate to the setting, and alcohol consumption is allowed only if authorized. In any case, access to or presence in the Tower while in an altered state is not permitted.
11. POWERS OF STAFF
Staff oversee safety, may issue binding instructions to visitors, and may remove individuals in case of prohibited or inappropriate behavior. In emergencies, visitors must follow instructions and evacuate in an orderly manner if required. For technical or safety reasons, staff may limit or suspend access, modify routes, or impose temporary closures.
12. VISITOR RESPONSIBILITY
Visitors are responsible for their own behavior and for any damage caused to themselves, others, or the structure. Violations of these regulations may result in removal from the building. Failure to comply with rules and staff instructions may create dangerous situations. Access to the Tower implies knowledge and acceptance of these regulations.