Palazzo Rocca
Museum | Chiavari | Liguria | Italy
The Palazzo Rocca in Chiavari, Liguria, is a historic building from the 17th century, which now serves as a cultural center and museum. It houses the city gallery, known as the "Museum of Living", as well as the National Archaeological Museum of Chiavari.
City Gallery:
The city gallery presents a collection of paintings, mainly from the 17th century, including works by Bernardo Strozzi, Valerio Castello, Bartolomeo Boscaino, and Frederik van Valckenborch. In addition to the art collection, the Palazzo provides insight into the residential culture of past centuries, with original preserved furniture and rooms reflecting the lifestyle of the time. Particularly notable are the ancient kitchen and early 20th-century technological innovations, referred to as the "Museum of Living".
National Archaeological Museum of Chiavari:
On the ground floor of the palace is the National Archaeological Museum of Chiavari, opened in 1985. It houses archaeological finds from the Chiavari area, including artifacts from a burial site from the 7th century BC, considered one of the most significant testimonies of the early Iron Age in Italy. The collection includes 126 rectangular and round burial chambers, known as "box graves", equipped with numerous grave goods that provide insight into burial practices and the social structure of the time.
The Palazzo Rocca is a significant cultural heritage of Chiavari, offering visitors a comprehensive insight into the art, history, and residential culture of the region.