Where is the Sundial of Palazzo Grimaldi located in Genoa?

The sundial is located on Palazzo Gerolamo Grimaldi Oliva, which sits in Meridiana Square at the intersection of Via Garibaldi and Via Cairoli. The palazzo is just a short walk from Via Balbi and the 29 rosso museum, making it easily accessible in Genoa's historic center.

What is the story behind the rude putto on the Palazzo Grimaldi sundial?

The putto (cherub) with its bottom exposed was painted as a gesture of contempt by the Grimaldi family. This was done after their rival neighbors, the Brignole family, opened a new entrance to the square that blocked the Grimaldi family's view of the sea, and they decided to express their irritation through this cheeky artistic insult.

What was the original purpose of the sundial on Palazzo Grimaldi?

The sundial on Palazzo Grimaldi was originally designed to read the hours, serving a practical timekeeping function. However, it became famous not just for its utility but for the hidden political message embedded within its artistic design.

How do I get to see the Palazzo Grimaldi sundial?

Head to Meridiana Square, which is easily accessible by walking from Via Balbi in Genoa's historic center, near the 29 rosso museum. The palazzo is located where Via Garibaldi and Via Cairoli intersect, and you can simply look up at the building's façade to spot the sundial.

Is the Palazzo Grimaldi sundial still visible today?

Yes, the sundial with its famous cheeky putto is still visible on the façade of Palazzo Gerolamo Grimaldi Oliva in Meridiana Square. It remains a charming piece of Genoese history that reflects the rivalry and artistic expression of the noble families who once dominated the area.

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The Sundial of Palazzo Grimaldi

Name: The Sundial of Palazzo Grimaldi
Rating: 4.1

Piazza della Meridiana, 16124 Genova GE, Italia• ★★★★☆• 158 views

Freyan Kapoor

Genova

About The Sundial of Palazzo Grimaldi

A short walk from Via Balbi and the 29 rosso museum is the famous Meridiana Square, straddling the famous Via Garibaldi and Via Cairoli.

Looking up, you will notice Palazzo Gerolamo Grimaldi Oliva, on which there is a sundial.This work was used to read the hours, but it hides within itself a polemical reason. In fact, opposite the building stands the palace of Gio Carlo Brignole, whose owners decided to open a new entrance to the square, which made the Grimaldi family, owners of Palazzo Oliva, lose their view of the sea.

To express their irritation they had a putto painted on the sundial with his "behind" on display. As if to say "you have deprived us of the sea view? And we show you .... as a sign of contempt."

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