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 Church of England |
Distacco di Piazza Marsala, 3 Genoa 16122 Italy |
This Neo-medieval church stands a short way from the Parco di Villetta di Negro and from Piazza Corvetto. For entry into the English Church of the Holy Ghost it is advisable to call. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An old refuge for crusaders and pilgrims |
Piazza della Commenda, 1 Genoa 16126 Italy +39 10 26 5486 |
This building was founded around 1000AD as a hospital, or as a refuge for the crusaders who had been sent to the Holy land. Afterwards, it became a shelter for pilgrims going to Jerusalem or Santiago di Compostela. It is attached to the neighbouring Church of Giovanni di Pre'". The three level open gallery gives the building its character. The "Commenda" has kept some of its medieval features. There are spherocubical headbands on the ground floor. On the middle floor there is 15th century wooden flooring which is decorated with prints. On the third floor there are wonderful frescoes with battle insignia and coats of arms from the nobility, as well as the part of the building which belonged to the apartment of the Knight commander. It's interesting to note that up until 1731 people could only go into the two churches of S.Giovanni through the Commenda. This was administered by the Jerusalemite Knights (and from 1420 by the Knights of the Order of Malta). It has never been understood however what criteria were needed to be allowed admittance into each of the churches. (perhaps it was divided by gender, or, more probably, according to the wealth of the pilgrim). Visits are possible on special occasions and by appointment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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S. Ambrogio on the Riviera |
Piazza Matteotti Genoa 16123 Italy |
The original Church dedicated to S. Ambrogio was built in the 6th century by a group of Milanese refugees who had come to Genoa to escape the Longobard invasion. However, the present building was built between 1589 and 1637 with the help of the Jesuit priest Marcello Pallavicino who, thanks to his prosperous family background, had the main altar dedicated to him. It was modelled on the Compagnia di Christo and is lavishly adorned with pillars, shrines, pulpit, and floors all made of marble. The walls have frescoes by G. and G.B Carlone. Some valuable works of art have also survived such as the "l'Assunzione" by G. Reni, "la Circoncisione" and "S.Ignazio guarisce un'ossessa" by P.P. Rubens. It is interesting that the highest part of the facade facing piazza Matteotti, was only completed at the end of the nineteenth century using a copy of Rubens' 18th century design, the original of which has gone missing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Greek church |
Via Casaregis, 50 Genoa 16129 Italy +39 10 553 3156 |
This place of worship is inside a palazzo in the Foce district, one of the residential areas of the city. It is recommended that you telephone to arrange a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Genovese synagogue |
Via Bertora 6 Genoa 16122 Italy +39 10 839 1513 |
Located in the residential area of Castelletto, near the nineteenth century Via Assarotti, It represents the main point of reference for the genovese Jewish community. The synagogue was built in a byzantine style in 1935, designed by F. Morando, and is only the most recent of the Jewish centres in the city. The first records of a Jewish community in Genoa date infact from Medieval times, as the toponymic "Piazza degli Ebrei", a little corner of the historic centre near the Porta dei Vacca (o di S.Fede), bears witness. To visit the synagogue, or to attend services you should contact the secretary before Friday morning. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Muslim temple |
Via Venezia, 10 Genoa 16126 Italy |
The local Muslim community always congregates here for its regular prayers on a Friday. However, there are also other places within the historical center where prayers are performed since there is such a large community of Muslim immigrants. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The whole of Genoa in a nativity scene |
Salita della Madonnetta, 5 Genoa 16136 Italy |
The sanctuary of S. M. Assunta, familiarly known as "la Madonetta" by the Genovese, rises on the hillside in the Castellano area. Built by the Augustinians before 1696, designed by A. M. Ricca, it owes its name to the revered statue by Gagini (15th century), today standing on the main altar. The altar stands beyond an octagonal sacrestry with typical black and white mosaic flooring. It consists of a single octagonal space with six side chapels. It is one of the most popular sacrestries in the city because of the beautiful nativity scene in the crypt. It is a 17th-18th century collection by Maragliano and his school. Open all year round, it is popular with many of the faithful who are drawn by the splendid carved ligurian figures, standing in a picturesque reconstruction of medieval Genoa. The city's main areas and monuments (St. Matthew, the Lanterna, the cathedral) frame these traditional craftsmen's stalls (knife-grinders, blacksmiths, butchers, fishmongers, bakers). Mass: Weekdays: 5pm (winter), 5.30pm (summer). Sunday and holidays: 9am, 11am, 5pm (winter), 5.30pm (summer). Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Church built in 1262 |
Via Brignole De Ferrari, 7 Genoa 16125 Italy +39 10 251 2391 |
This church was built in 1262 not far from the Chiesa della SS.Annunziata del Vastato. It sits, with its adjoining convent, at the centre of a popular suburb, just outside the twelfth century bastions, and belongs to the mendicant Carmelite order. Even though it was extended in the 15th and 16th centuries, this church retains most of its original gothic form, characterized by the pointed arches, the flying buttresses and the square apse. It is the last example in the city of what was a popular style, which was later substituted because of liturgical needs. It has recently been renovated and houses several interesting works of art by G.B. Carlone, B. Castello, and D. Piola, some of which have been recovered from the church of S. Agnese which was destroyed. The Salita S.Bartolomeo del Carmine leads from the apse to the convent and has now been turned into houses. From here one can go back to the church via the Salita di Carbonara, passing through the small village of Carmine. This part of the city has retained the old street names linked with the grocers stalls which used to be situated here, such as piazza della Giuggiola, vico Zucchero, vico Fragola, vico del Cioccolatte. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The genovese sanctuary |
Monte Figogna, Loc. Santuario Genoa, Genoa 16014 Italy |
Located on Monte Figogna, at a height of 804 metres above sea-level, this is the favourite of all Genovese sanctuaries, a place of real devotion as well as of pilgrimage and countryside excursions. In 1490, after the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Benedetto Pareto, a humble farmer from a village in the valley, a chapel was built, demolishing an old watch tower from which the sanctuary takes its name. The current building, the result of a grand design willed by the Polcevera valley dwellers, was inaugurated in 1890, when the apparition was seen again. The most interesting part of the entire building is without doubt the gallery of the ex-votaries: they were devoutly faithful but simultaneously excluded form the daily life of the time. Near the sanctuary, which welcomes visitors, there are picnic facilities, several good restaurants where pilgrims can take some sustenance after the long climb, which can be undertaken on foot, by bicycle, or, for the lazier, by bus or car. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Medieval cloister amongst the skyscrapers |
Vico Dritto Ponticello Via Dante Genoa 16121 Italy |
The remains of an important Benedictine convent dating back to the twelfth century can be found near the Dove house. They are only separated from the car traffic by a few olive trees. The remains were moved to this site after the convent was demolished in 1904 and they have recently been restored. They represent the most interesting medieval cloister of the city. There are coupled columns with elegant capitals which have been sculpted with very rich iconographic motifs. They contain stories from the bible (Adam and Eve, the three kings), work scenes, animals, imaginary creatures and more simple floral designs. There is a memorial stone which states that when the demolition was underway, they found an ancient Roman necropolis. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John von Rosenberg |
 Photo: Antonio Manchado |
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The church hidden by the Carmelites |
Piazza S.Anna, 8 Genoa 16125 Italy |
This charming church located in a small hidden square, was built in 1584 for the Barefoot Carmelites. It is not far from Corso Magenta in the elegant Castelletto area. The S. Anna steps leading up to the church with its hut-style roof and its simple facade, once covered in frescoes. From one side it blocks off the row of buildings across the cobbled square, from where the Salita Bachernia (one of the most picturesque trails, which lead along the ridges between the old city and the hills behind) begins. The church has several interesting works of art by F. Schiaffino, T. Orsolino e D. Fiasella. Its convent has recently been restored and still retains the old furniture form the Friars Pharmacy and the old library. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A crowded 18th century church |
Via Lomellini, 12 Genoa 16123 Italy +39 10 246 5426 |
This church was begun in 1674 with a donation from the nobleman Camillo Pallavicino and was completed in 1725, Pallavicino wanted to facilitate the entry into Genova of the Priests of the Oratory. Together with the adjoining convent and the Oratorio di S Filippo Neri, it is an extremely important Baroque construction which lays testimony to the emergence of late borromean culture in Genoa. The façade is concave and only the portal, decorated by the sculptor P Bocciardo, was entirely finished: the rest was left with rather rough and ready finish. The internal walls are entirely covered in frescoes by various artists such as A M Haffner, J A Boni, M Franceschini. It must be said that this is one of the most visited churches in the historical city centre because of the charismatic approach and high moral example that many of the priests, mostly Polish, here have. It is not rare to have to queue up in the afternoons to have a one to one talk with them. Open: 8a-noon, 3p-7p M-Su. Service times: Sa 6:30p, Su 8a, 9a, 11a. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Concerts under the frescoes |
Via Lomellini 10 Genoa 16123 Italy |
Next to the Chiesa di S.Filippo Neri, the oratory can be accessed from either number 10 Via Lomellini or directly from the sacrestry of the church. Built between 1749 and 1755 as a place for quiet meditation, it is incorporated into the convent of the Padri Filippini, the façade of which was moved. It was perhaps designed by G B Montaldo: the floors are elliptical with choir pews around the walls, banisters, and finely crafted walnut arches which, together with the doors and the large shutters at the windows, constitute admirable examples of Genovese baroque. The ceiling is completely covered in golden stucco with a coloured background. Both this and the frescoed apse are the work of J. A. Boni, with paintings by G. Diavolo. Not to be missed is the painting of St. Philip in ecstasy, by the Flemmish artist S. Dubois, and above all the magnificent statue of the Immaculate Conception (1670) by P. Puget, who also created the famed altar of the nearby Abbazia di S.Siro and many other works in Genova. In addition to its role as a convent, the oratory once functioned as a Public Institute of Music, then as a school, but today is a much loved auditorium for classical concerts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The pilgrims' oratory |
Mura delle Grazie Genoa 16123 Italy +39 10 246 5083 |
This oratory, stands on the sea wall, is one of the devotional buildings to be found along the pilgrim's route towards Santiago di Compostella in Spain. It was built atop the rocks in around 1453, and was subsequently rebuilt between the end of the 16th and mid-point of the 17th centuries, when the Confraternity commisioned some important works from the best known painters of the time (V. Castello, O. De Ferrari, il Grechetto, D. Piola). Inside, there is a single nave, frescoed in the 18th century, as well as several paintings depicting scenes from the life of St. James. There are valuable furnishings like the walnut pews where the Prior and the members of the confraternity sit, a beautiful precessional box made by H. Pellé, and several crucifixes (one made by the scholl of Maragliano). It is interesting that in the 18th and 19th centuries, this very oratory was selected as the head office for the famous "camalli" and "calafati" dockers and unloaders, as well as those who carried out repairs on the ships, who met here to pray. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The old resting place of the ensign of Genova. |
Via dei Giustiniani, 1 Genoa 16123 Italy |
The church was built on the site of the ancient Salt market, next to the noble church of St Torpete. The first building was constructed in 964AD and was dedicated to one of the patron saints of the city. It was rebuilt in its present circular form at the end of the seventeenth century by the Teatini fathers. The exterior was redesigned towards the middle of the nineteenth century. The Veronese hold the church very dear because it used to look after the city ensign. This was carried into battle to protect the troops and to spur them on. According to tradition, no one in Genova ever throws anything away. Typically, the Genovese transformed this tower into one of the noble houses which faces onto the piazza around the church's bell-tower. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A pilgrim church |
Piazza della Commenda, 1 Genoa 16126 Italy |
This church is connected to the neighbouring Pre' insignia building. Building work was begun in 1180 with pre-Lamica masters, a fact which is commemorated by a plaque on the wall. It has recently been restored by the Ministry for cultural heritage. There are two churches, one of which stands over the other which are mutually independent from one another. The smaller church, with three naves, occupies the central nave of the larger one. This has a splendid Romanesque belltower with three levels of three-light windows and a pyramid-shaped spire. There has been an entrance in the apse of the larger church since 1731 when the Knights of the Order of Malta allowed entry to the more civilised members of the public. The inner church is intimate and quiet. It contains the remains of an important series of frescoes that have recently been brought to light. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Francesca Albini |
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Genoa's Cathedral |
Piazza San Lorenzo Genoa 16123 Italy |
This church, dedicated to S. Lorenzo became the city's cathedral in the 10th century AD after it was deemed to be safer than the more primitive S. Siro cathedral, as it was situated inside the fortified walls built in 864 AD. 1099 saw the start of the construction of a better-suited building. The apsidal part was consecrated by the pope Gelasio II in 1118, while 1160 saw the building of the lateral walls with their beautiful sculpted portals dedicated to S. Giovanni and S. Gottardo. The three black and white striped marble portals on the front are sculpted with stories of the Virgin Mary and are similar to those on the Cathedrals in Chartres and Rouen. They can be traced back to 13th century Franco Norman craftsmanship, providing the most interesting example of the French gothic style in Italy. The construction of the cathedral, which can be said to have lasted for centuries thanks to artists from Pisa, Lombardy and France, gave rise to an interesting mixture of styles, especially visible in the black and white facade. The statue of a saint with a sundial called the Arrotino is French gothic, the column-bearing lions are nineteenth century, the rose window is 15th century, the two towers, one of which is unfinished are 15th and 16th century. The inside is made up of three naves flanked by columns and reclaimed roman capitals, and owes its current appearance to the refurbishment carried out after the fire in 1296. During the refurbishment props were used to rebuild the lower part using pointed gothic arches, maintaining the overhead round Roman arches. In general, however, the church is mostly characterised by the bare medieval style enhanced by the lack of wall decoration, except for the important fresco in the lunette on the internal front wall (Giudizio Universale, fourteenth century). The largest of the side altars is dedicated to S. John the Baptist, patron of the city, whose relics are thought to have been brought to Genoa after the crusades and now sit in a valuable 14th century urn made by Norman craftsmen. The fifteenth century sculptor G. Gaggini was very involved in the adorning of the chapel with several statues of Sansovino. The Lercari chapel at the end of the left-hand nave dates back to the 16th century. The frescoes were done by L. Cambiaso and G.B. Castello il Bergamasco. The sober dome by G. Alessi and the presbytery are also from the same period. The bronzes on the altar in the presbytery are interesting. Everyone from Genoa knows the story of the bomb that sits at the beginning of the right hand nave. On 9th February 1941 it hit the cathedral destroying part of the casing, but remaining miraculously unexploded. The sacristy leads to the valuable Museo del Tesoro di S.Lorenzo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Wong Hau Keong |
 Photo: Wong Hau Keong |
 Photo: Marcus Puschmann |
 Photo: Donna J Belfield |
 Photo: Federico Perola |
 Photo: Pedro |
 Photo: Andrea de Poda  |
 Photo: Levente Toth |
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Safe and sound in the cloisters |
Via Tommaso Reggio Genoa 16123 Italy +39 10 2 7001 |
The cloisters are next to the State archive, which was once the Criminal courts. They are connected to the Archbishops office and theCathedral of S.Lorenzo by a series of hanging bridges. They have undergone a restoration project over several years now and they have been transformed into the new site for the Diocesan Musum of Sacred Art. They were built at the end of the twelfth century and incorporated part of the ninth century city walls. They were the residence of the Canons of the Cathedral up until 1800 when they were increased in size and changed into housing. During the last war they were damaged by bombardment. Today they are again splendid, characterized by a loggia with coupled columns, similar to those seen at the cloisters of S.Andrea. In the loggia there is a collection of interesting examples of art, (wooden floors decorated with prints, wall paintings from the 15th century). It is interesting to remember that this cloister had the benefit of immunity; a fact inscribed on a memorial stone in the facade. It was a safe refuge for those who were threatened by either public or private violence. Moreover, according to folklore every Holy Thursday the cloisters offered a meal to thirteen of the city's poor. Also they would regularly distribute soup, focaccia bread and wine. Unfortunately, it is not possible to make visits at present. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A small church for two big families |
Piazza S.Luca Genoa 16124 Italy |
The church was built in 1188 as the family chapel of the Spinola and Grimaldi families. It stands on the lively Via S.Luca. This was the main western point of entry to the city in the fourteenth century. The church's importance and its strategic position has been emphasised by the fact that the dispute between the two rival families for the exclusive control of the building had to be settled by the King of Aragon in the middle of the fourteenth century. The church was rebuilt in its present form between 1626 and 1650. It was a project of Carlo Mutone. One of the few pure Baroque style churches in the city, it is decorated with a single series of frescoes by D.Piola which date back to the end of the seventeenth century. It contains a valuable wooden Christ figure by F.Parodi which was painted by D.Piola. There are other works of art including an important piece by Grechetto of a creche. The parish has started a nice new initiative which aims to help people to get to know the old city. As well as the normal church services, it now celebrates a special "Tourist and City visitor Mass". Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The church of the damned |
Via del Molo, 18 Genoa 16128 Italy |
This church is hidden amongst the houses on Via del Molo. It was built in a Romanesque style from 1173. However it underwent serious reconstruction in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and the entrance was inverted. Today, the main entrance is in the apse. The church has three naves, lined with columns with cubic black stone headbands. It was dedicated to St.Mark to displease the Venetians because St.Mark is the patron saint of Venice. After the sacking of Pola, allied with Venice, the Genovese built a bas-relief into the external wall of the building which showed the lion of St.Mark. This actually came from Pola, an Istrian town(1380). The church of St.Mark had a sad aspect to it; it was known as the "church of those condemned to death". These unlucky souls came here from the Casa del Boia to receive the last blessing before they were taken to Porta Siberia (or del Molo), where, for many centuries, hangings took place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The church in the King's vineyards |
Piazza delle Vigne, 1 Genoa 16124 Italy +39 10 247 4761 |
The church was renovated in 1640 and lost much of its original character because of a new neoclassical façade. However, it still has its splendid square bell tower with mullioned windows, octagonal spires and pinnacles. The quadrangular cloisters next to it were also built at the end of the eleventh or beginning of the twelfth century. At that time this area had no other buildings. The cloisters were made with very ancient square capitals. They have now been modified into private housing. The tomb of Incisa Vivaldi has been there since 1304. It is underneath the arch to the left hand side of the church. It has been embellished by a second century sarcophagus. On the other side of the church, there is a beautiful late gothic gateway. In the lunette there is a Madonna with child by D.Piola. The 17th century interior has coupled columns which copy the nearbyAbbey of S.Siro. It has a decorative series of frescoes which are by a line of painters each who continued the work of art over some two centuries. (G.Palmieri, P.G.Brusco, G.Passano, L.Gainotti). Future mothers should stop a moment in front of the nursing Madonna which has been painted on one of the Romanesque columns. This picture is venerated by women expecting a baby. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: sipierdi |
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A baroque jewel in the heart of the city. |
Piazza S.Marta Genoa 16121 Italy |
The church is hidden and almost suffocated by the surrounding modern buildings. It was founded in the eighth century in a sacred wood. In the seventeenth century it was rebuilt with the arrival of the Benedictines. From 1826, it was managed by the Evangelist laborers under Abbot Paolo Gerolamo Franzoni. It is divided into three naves, with a rich Baroque appearance thanks to the important series of frescoes by P.G. Piola, V.Castello, G.B. Carlone, D. Fiasella. The spectacular marble group "Saint Martha in Gloria" in the apse is particularly interesting. This was the work of one of the most important Baroque Genovese sculptors, Filippo Parodi. The statue seems to stretch up towards the sky and the face of the Saint is bathed in natural light, creating a fascinating effect. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The church of the Doria family |
Piazza S.Matteo Genoa 16123 Italy +39 10 247 4362 |
The church was founded in 1125 by Martino Doria. Renovated in a Romanesque-Gothic style in 1278, it represents one of the most interesting noble churches in Genova. It is the center-point of the Doria district; this collection of church, cloisters, houses and squares was where the noble family controlled the city's fate. The church has a black and white façade with carvings showing the feats achieved by family members. The church was renovated inside during the sixteenth century by Admiral Andrea Doria, who wanted to make it his personal mausoleum. The church has rich decoration inside. G.B.Castello, "the Bergamasco" and L.Cambiaso both contributed to the frescoes. The crypt is entirely covered with very valuable stuccoes by Montorsoli and Cosini. An interesting detail is that the adjacent cloister (which you can enter by making a small donation to the sexton) was built by a Venetian artist who had been captured during one of the frequent battles with Venice. They took advantage of his talents whilst he was in prison. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The church of the knights of Malta |
Piazza S Pancrazio Genoa 16124 Italy |
Small noble church of the Pallavicini family. It was already in existence in the eleventh century and was rebuilt in a late baroque style by A.M.Ricca after it suffered naval bombardment by Luigi XIV (1684). It contains many valuable works of art, including rare stuccoes, frescoes in the apse by J.A.Boni and a marble altar piece by G.A. Ponsonelli with an antependium and statue of St.Pancreas by F.Parodi. There is also a statue of the Madonna of Charity by F.M.Schiaffino. The wonderful Flemish triptych is of particular note; painted by A.Ysenbrant, it dates back to the early 16th century and shows the life of St.Pancrea. The complex was entrusted to the Order of Knight of Malta in 1976. They have organised a multipurpose surgery in the adjacent monastic buildings. Open: 4p-6p Sa. By appointment for groups-always telephone first. Service times: Weekdays 5p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A church built on top of shops. |
Piazza Banchi Genoa 16124 Italy |
The church is near the ruined city gate which shares its name, at the site of the old grain market. The main entrance to the city was here in the ninth century. What is most interesing about this church is that is was built on a terrace that is above a row of shops. Using bonds, the Genovese built these shops, so that the very expensive rent from them might help pay for the cost of building the church. It was built according to the plans of B. Cantone, G. Ponzello and il Vannone. Work was finished in the second half of the sixteenth century. Il Vannone was also the architect of the Loggia for the Merchants or the bankers. The church also was given the name "S.Maria Immacolata", thanking the Madonna for the end of a plague. In front of the church there is a beautiful flight of steps. The church itself has a central plan with a large octagonal cupola and four spires, one of which is missing. It is a copy of Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Carignano. The outside of the church is decorated with frescoes from the seventeenth century which have been recently restored. Inside, there are precious stuccoes and frescoes by M. Sparzo, A. Semino, A. Ansaldo and P.G. Piola. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Harry Mills |
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The main cathedral of the city |
Piazza San Siro Genoa 16124 Italy |
Built in the 4th century as the first cathedral of the city, it was dedicated to the 12 apostles. In 1008 it became a Benedictine Abbey and the current architectural layout dates from the beginning of the 17th century, after a fire in 1580 destroyed a large part of the structure. The neoclassical facade houses a church with three naves, frescoed vaults and stucco which is the work of various members of the Carlone family, including Taddeo, Giuseppe, Tommaso and Giovanni Battista. As well as works by D. Fiasella, G. De Ferrari and D. Piola, there is also the beautiful painting of the Annunciation here by O. Gentileschi and the splendid main altar, in black and bronze marble, which is a baroque masterpiece by Pierre Puget in 1670. The Roman belltower of the cathedral can be spotted in old pictures of Genoa, but it was pulled down as it was deemed to be unstable after the collapse of the belltower of S. Marco in Venice in 1904 and was unfortunately never rebuilt. The old, adjacent cloister, can not be visited and was transformed at the beginning of the century into public baths and sauna, according to art nouveau style. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bernd Zillich |
 Photo: Tim Brown |
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A Roman church in Valbisagno |
Via Creto 64 Genoa 16165 Italy +39 10 80 9000 |
In the valley of the Bisagno river, this Benedictine abbey is one of the most important and best preserved Romanesque, Genoan churches. Commissioned in 1025 by the Landolfo bishop in the birthplace of the first bishop of Genoa, Siro, there have been various restorations which eliminated the baroque additions and restored the splendid original facade. It is entirely made of stone with a three part facade, a valuable belltower and semicircular apses. Inside there is a font dating from the thirteenth century, a stature of San Siro from 1640 and a splendid portrayal of San Siro, dating from the beginning of the sixteenth century, showing a horrendous monster of a half serpent and a half dragon, a symbol of heresy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Where the explorer of America was baptised |
Piazza S.Stefano 2 Genoa 16121 Italy +39 10 58 7183 |
Rebuilt between the 12th and 14th centuries on the site of a Benedictine abbey dating from 960, this is the most important religious building from the medieval era in Genoa, together with the San Siro abbey. The beautiful Romanesque apse is of particular interest as is the crypt with five naves, which encircle theremains of a primitive, Longobard church dedicated to S. Michele, who according to tradition was baptised as Christopher Columbus here. His father was a warden of the nearby urban port of Olivella. The Roman-Gothis facade has black and white stripes and is clearly visible from Via XX Settembre. The interior, has an elevated presbytery, and is rather simple and severe. It is dominated by the large painting of the Martyrdom of San Stefano by Giulio Romano, which has slight damage from the bombings of the second world war. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Claudio Camanini |
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A church built of bitterness |
Piazza Carignano Genoa 16128 Italy |
The story behind this church is quite amusing as it was built according to a request left by Bendinello Sauli in his will, in order to humiliate the Fieschi family who had committed a grave injustice towards him (they had started mass in their nobleman's church without waiting for the Sauli family!). It took 70 years to collect the money for the construction, which was left in the hands of Galeazzo Alessi, a Perugian architect. Thus the most imposing Renaissance church in Genoa began construction in the mid 1500s, and it was entirely finished in 1602 when the dome was finished. Since then it has undergone very few changes. It is built in the shape of a Greek cross inscribed into a square, with a central dome held by four supports, clearly inspired by the plans of Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane for St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The decoration is very plain with four statues placed in the niches carved into the support columns. Two of these statues were sculpted by Pierre Puget. There is also a seventeenth century organ and several interesting paintings by Guercino, Aurelio Lomi and G. Cesare Procaccini. Service times: Saturdays 6pm; Sundays 8.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 6.30pm. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Harry Mills |
 Photo: Sergey Belkin |
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The Maddalena area |
Piazza della Maddalena Genoa 16124 Italy |
At the end of the sixteenth century, this ancient church was completely restructured. Andrea Ceresola, the "Vannone", changed the building and then modified the interior. The name of the church, Maddalena, has also been given to the surrounding street, piazza and district. According to folklore, the name could have other connotations other than those of the name of the church and its saint; the "oldest profession" in the world has always been practiced in this area. There is the monastery of the Somaschi fathers which has been changed into houses. Next to it, the church is fronted by a recently constructed gateway. Inside there are vaults which are frescoed by S.Galeotti and S.Betti. Have a look at the four marble statues of Virtue (c.1300) and the rare fifteenth century wooden crucifix. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dominican church |
Salita S.Maria di Castello Genoa 16128 Italy +39 10 254 9511 |
The church was first built around 650 AD in the early fortified area of the city. It was rebuilt by Pre Lamica masters at the beginning of the 12th century. Since 1441, when it was taken over by the Dominican fathers, it has undergone regular redecoration. The Predicatori brothers, who also organised the construction of the adjacent Convent of Santa Maria di Castello, made the complex into one of the most important centres of humanist thought. The church has three naves lined with granite columns with reused Roman headbands. It has valuable vaults, decorated with 15th-century decorations which replace the original medieval trusses. It has numerous frescoes, paintings, altarpieces, sculptures and wooden groups. There are noteworthy canvasses by D.Piola, B.Castello, A.Lomi; a venerable medieval wooden Christ figure and the remains of the holy Jacopo da Varagine (Varazze), who was the author of the Golden legend. The marble entrance of the Sacristry was built in 1452. This graceful room has been made even more precious by the 18th-century walnut furnishings. The museum area in the convent is reached from here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A precious Dominican monastery |
Salita S.Maria di Castello, 15 Genoa 16128 Italy |
This is one of the most interesting religious complexes in the city. The Dominican fathers began to build it in 1441 and it is connected to the Church of S.M. di Castello. It's worth a visit both for its numerous works of art and for the wonderful original interiors which surround them. The monk's daily routine took place in the three cloisters of the complex. Here, there were the refectory, dormitories, kitchen, infirmary, main library, private gallery, parlours, and the cistern (which is now an exhibition space). Nowadays, it is possible too visit most of the building. The gallery is particularly impressive with the splendid fresco of the Annunciation by Giusto di Ravensburg, dated 1451. We also recommend the Grimaldi Chapel which was dedicated to the Order's main protectors. The chapel contains both fifteenth and sixteeenth century works of art. Also have a look at the monastery's vegetable garden which is a calm and relaxing green corner of the complex. This has recently been restored to its original form. Don't miss the precious illustrated manuscripts date back to the thirteenth-fourteenth century. They were brought here from the important Monastery of St. Domenico when it was demolished at the beginning of the nineteenth century. It was replaced with the Carlo Felice Theatre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Beauty in Genova |
Piazza della Nunziata, 4 Genoa 16124 Italy |
This church was originally built in late gothic style by the Franciscan monks on the foundations of an earlier church. The noble Lomellini family who made their fortune trading in coral then renovated it between 1591 and 1650. It is built in the shape of a Latin cross and divided into three naves with two rows of lateral altars. This church has been called a 17th century Genoese Gallery because of its lavish interiors of inlayed marble, gilt stucco, and frescoes illustrating the mysteries of the Annunciation, all created by a selection of 23 local artists and 13 sculptors (such as G.and G.B. Carlone, D. Fiasella, A. Ansaldo, G. Assereto and G. Benso). Moreover, there are works of art by D. Piola, G. De Ferrari, L. Cambiaso, B. Strozzi, G.C. Procaccini and others still. The strange name Vastato comes from vastinium, a safety belt within the protective bastions that was left free during medieval times for military purposes. In fact the Barbarossa belt, dating back to 1155-61 sits directly opposite the church. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The intact body of S. Caterina of Genoa |
Viale 4 Novembre, 5 Genoa 16121 Italy |
This church is located away from the tourist areas in the modern Piccapietra neighbourhood, just behind the courts of Justice which have taken over the remains of the old Pammatone Hospital. It was built in 1556 and dedicate to SS. Annunziata, however, has increasingly become known as Santa Caterina da Genova, especially after her beatification in 1737. The inside has three naves and can be considered as an art gallery for sixteenth century Genoese art. Among the array of frescoes are some by O. and A. Semino, L. and P. Calvi, L. Cambiaso, G.B. Castello, A. Lomi, D. Piola and G. Carlone. The famous Mausoleum of Santa Caterina is attributed to Francesco Schiaffino. It is held aloft by four allegorical statues and is especially dear to the people of the city as it holds the intact body of the patron saint of Italian hospitals. Since 1983 part of the adjacent convent has housed the Museum of Capuchin life, and exhibits works of art, furnishings and objects belonging to the world of the Capuchin monks. Open: 9am-midday; 3pm-6.30pm Mon-Sun. Service times: Saturday 5.30pm; Sunday 8.30am, 9.30am (inv.) 10.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Church of the barbers and surgeons |
Vico S.Cosimo, 16 Genoa 16123 Italy |
This 16th century church is probably the one Romanesque Genoese church, which has been well maintained. It has preserved its three shallow apses, the tower similar to that at Chiesa di S.Donato, and the black and white columns. To the side of the portal made from Roman materials, on the façade, is a tomb with a pointed arch and small columns called the Barisone, in memory of the famous man who was a spy in the war between Genoa and Pisa. When his treachery was found out, he was arrested and put under house arrest in the palace adjacent to the church, where he later died. The sepulchre for Barbers and surgeons is particularly interesting. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Massimo Strazzeri |
 Photo: Tim Brown |