The well-known noble families from Genoa, including the Doria, Balbi, Spinola, Negroni, had built palaces in Novi Ligure. You can still partially recognize them by their colors: Most of these houses were painted green or red according to the custom of the city. Particularly impressive are the well-preserved palaces in Piazza delle Piane: the Negroni family palace and the Palazzo Delle Piane. The Palazzo Negroni is located to the left of the Santa Maria Maggiore church and is richly decorated. What is special are two meridians above the entrance portal.