Two events, one city, a unique opportunity
Genoa has the rare privilege of hosting, in autumn, two European-level cultural events in near-perfect succession. The Rolli Days open to the public the 16th-century noble palaces that are normally closed — the same palaces that in 2006 UNESCO inscribed as a World Heritage Site under "Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli". In parallel, or just days apart, the Science Festival transforms the Palazzo Ducale and dozens of other spaces into an open laboratory of popular science. October in Genoa is, for anyone who loves culture, one of the richest periods of the Italian year.
The Rolli — the name comes from the "rolls" (registers) listing the palaces required to host foreign delegations visiting the Republic of Genoa — were already extraordinary in the 16th century, when Rubens immortalised them in his drawings. Today, across three days of Rolli Days, the doors open and the guides — doctoral students from the University of Genoa, trained in art history and architecture — lead visitors into places that are otherwise never seen. Frescoed courtyards, monumental staircases, hanging gardens overlooking the port skyline: it is not a museum circuit, it is literally stepping inside the history of the wealthiest republic in 16th-century Europe. The 2026 edition marks the twentieth anniversary of the UNESCO inscription with the theme "Sharing is protecting".
The Science Festival is a different kind of experience: founded in 2003, it is one of Europe's most important scientific events in terms of audience and quality. Over 300 participants including researchers, Nobel laureates, science communicators and artists. More than 300 events spread across 50 spaces throughout the city: children's workshops, interactive exhibitions, open lectures, hybrid performances blending science and art. The theme of the 24th edition, "Perspectives", invites visitors to look at the future from unexpected angles. It is not a trade event for specialists: it is designed for anyone with curiosity.
The timing of the two events is ideal: the autumn Rolli Days run on 16–18 October, the Science Festival opens on 22 October. A week based in Rapallo allows you to experience both, with Genoa transforming itself into something different to explore every day.
What to expect in practice
Across the three Rolli Days there will be queues, but they are part of the atmosphere. The advice is to book visits to the most celebrated palaces (such as Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco or Palazzo Tursi) well in advance through the Visit Genoa website, and leave afternoons free for strolling through the narrow lanes and visiting Boccadasse. The Science Festival, on the other hand, lends itself to a more informal visit: wander through the Palazzo Ducale spaces and join events that have available seats, or book limited-capacity workshops online in advance. A full day in Genoa for each event is the minimum recommended.
