Civic Gallery

The Galleria Civica di Palazzo Rocca in Chiavari is a nice art gallery housed in an historic home. The building dated from 1630 when it was built by the local Costaguta family, for whom the street is named. It passed to the prominent Ranieri and Grimaldi families. It was purchased in 1903 by Giuseppe Rocca, who renamed it and also added the delightful Botanical Gardens around it.

Inside is a collection of paintings completed by artists from Genova and around Italy, as well as by Spanish and Flemish painters. There are also striking ceramics and delicate porcelains, along with an antique stamp collection. Period furnishings set it all off in an historic light. The beautiful ballroom hosts shows and concerts periodically. The old stables of the palace houses an archeological museum.