Begun in 1752 for the Marquis di Gabiano, Giacomo Filippo Durazzo II, this villa is a superbly innovative example of 18th century residential architecture. It features a layout characteristic of French aristocratic residences, with a central body and two side wings around a wide courtyard, a rather unusual structure for its Genoese setting, where the most common 16th style architectural styles still prevailed at the time.The building's interior, characterised by an impressive cantilevered marble staircase, hosts two paintings by Francesco Solimena, dating to circa 1717.The first major event to change the appearance of the park came in 1856: the new Genova Voltri railway line, which cut off the building's connection to the sea. In 1778, the residence was remodelled by the Genoese Andrea Tagliafichi.The building has changed hands several times throughout its history. In 1865, the villa became the property of the royal house of Savoy, and King Vittorio Emanuele II chose it as a summer residence for his son, Prince Oddone of Savoy. Following the prince's untimely death in 1866, the villa was once again placed on the market. In 1872, it was purchased by the knight Patrone, and at the end of the 19th century by the Bombrini family. In the 20th century, it became the property of various Genoese companies (principally Ansaldo and Italsider), which set up their offices within it. Since 2008, the building has been owned by "Per Cornigliano", an organisation established with the specific aim of reclaiming the de industrialised areas of Genoa's Cornigliano neighbourhood. It is also the headquarters of the Genova Liguria Film Commission. The c. 6000 square metre park was renovated and opened to the public in 2009; every summer, it hosts a variety of cultural events, exhibitions, music events, shows and conferences. (www.visitgenoa.it)
