This thoroughfare is the westernmost of the new streets built during the Secolo d'Oro. Just like Via Garibaldi, Via Balbi was originally an aristocratic residential district, hence the many palazzi found here. Of particular interest are the Palazzo Durazzo Pallavicini (n° 1) and the imposing Palazzo dell'Università (n° 5), with its courtyard and majestic staircase, both dating from the 17C.