Set against the backdrop of a park covering 115,000 square metres, this villa was built in the 16^th century for the rich banker Centurione, an in-law of Andrea Doria, and inhabited by Prince Gian Andrea Doria and his descendants. Today it belongs to the city like most of Genoa's historical villas.

The villa complex, comprehending both the building and park, represents an important example of the 16^th century Genoese style of suburban villa; it preserves esteemed features of historical, cultural and horticultural worth. The park includes an artificial lake created by the architect Galeazzo Alessi in the second half of the 16^th century. An island rises in the centre of the lake, on which two statues of satyrs once stood, spouting water. A bridge united the two banks, allowing visitors to circle the entire pond.