The Grimaldina Tower Stock Photography

The architects who supervised the restoration work at the Palazzo Ducale from 1935 to 1940, maintained that the Tower was not built earlier than 1298 and not much later than 1307. Yet, its origins are still debated today. According to some historical sources and the artistic features, the Tower might have been built before 1291 or even sooner, well before the construction of the 13th century private palace of Alberto Fieschi. The construction of the Palazzo Ducale in Genoa began during the flourishing period of the Republican history of the city. Genoa was gradually consolidating its economical power in the Mediterranean sea, with the defeat of the Republic of Pisa in the naval battle at Meloria (1284) and the defeat of the Republic of Venice, in the naval battle near the island of Curzola (1298).