Chiese
Churches of the Historic Center of Genoa
Genoa, a city of sea and millennial history, preserves a rich artistic and spiritual heritage reflected in its magnificent churches. From majestic cathedrals to intimate chapels hidden among the caruggi, every place of worship tells centuries of faith, art, and traditions. The churches of Genoa represent an extraordinary fusion of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Baroque, bearing witness to the city's central role in the Mediterranean's cultural exchanges. Discovering these wonders means immersing yourself in the beating heart of Genoese history, among mosaics, frescoes, and monumental facades that recount stories of saints, sailors, and ancient noble families.
Below is a selection of those worth visiting to experience unique art and spirituality
Below is a selection of those worth visiting to experience unique art and spirituality
SESTIERE DI PRE'
Basilica della SS. Annunziata del Vastato
One of the most spectacular Baroque churches in Genoa. Its neoclassical façade contrasts with the incredibly rich interior decorations.
Not to miss: The frescoes by great Genoese masters like Giovanni Battista Carlone and Domenico Piola.
Not to miss: The frescoes by great Genoese masters like Giovanni Battista Carlone and Domenico Piola.
Chiesa di San Filippo Neri
Also known as Santissima Annunziata di Portoria, this lesser-known Baroque church features extraordinary interiors and refined artworks, offering a tangible sense of intimacy and tranquility.
Not to miss: The frescoed ceiling.
Not to miss: The frescoed ceiling.
Chiesa di San Giovanni di Prè
Located near Piazza Principe station, this magnificent example of Romanesque architecture was built in the 12th century to host pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land.
Not to miss: The crypt and the understated elegance of the interior, which contrasts with the imposing exterior.
Not to miss: The crypt and the understated elegance of the interior, which contrasts with the imposing exterior.
Chiesa di Nostra Signora del Carmine e Sant'Agnese
Situated in the ancient Carmine district, this richly decorated Baroque church boasts a charming location in a secluded corner of the city.
Not to miss: The frescoes by Domenico Piola and the dome, which illuminates the entire interior.
Not to miss: The frescoes by Domenico Piola and the dome, which illuminates the entire interior.
SESTIERE DELLA MADDALENA
Basilica di San Siro
One of the oldest churches in Genoa, originally Romanesque but transformed into a Baroque gem. The basilica is linked to the legend of San Siro, who drove the dragon away from the city walls.
Not to miss: The majestic marble high altar and the frescoes by Carlone and Piola.
Not to miss: The majestic marble high altar and the frescoes by Carlone and Piola.
Church of San Pancrazio
Renovated in Baroque style after the naval bombardment by Louis XIV in 1684, this church is known for being a refuge during World War II.
Must-see: The 16th-century triptych by Flemish painter Isenbrant depicting the life of the titular saint, the 18th-century statue of the Madonna, and the artworks inside.
Must-see: The 16th-century triptych by Flemish painter Isenbrant depicting the life of the titular saint, the 18th-century statue of the Madonna, and the artworks inside.
Church of San Luca
Located in the square of the same name, this church is closely tied to the Spinola and Grimaldi families, two of Genoa's most powerful and influential noble families, who used it as a private place of worship. Between 1626 and 1650, it was transformed into an ancient Baroque jewel, both inside and out.
Must-see: The frescoes by Domenico Piola depicting episodes from the life of Saint Luke.
Must-see: The frescoes by Domenico Piola depicting episodes from the life of Saint Luke.
Basilica of Santa Maria delle Vigne
One of the oldest sacred buildings in the city, it dates back to the 9th century and takes its name from the vineyards that once surrounded the area. The church harmoniously combines Romanesque and Baroque elements.
Must-see: The Romanesque bell tower and the 15th-century marble bas-relief depicting Saint Eligius, patron saint of goldsmiths, working on a chalice at an anvil.
Must-see: The Romanesque bell tower and the 15th-century marble bas-relief depicting Saint Eligius, patron saint of goldsmiths, working on a chalice at an anvil.
SESTIERE DEL MOLO
Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian
A small and charming church located near the Old Port, dedicated to the holy doctor saints. It is an intimate and fascinating place, with a long history tied to sailors and travelers.
Not to be missed: The serene atmosphere and the simplicity of the interiors.
Not to be missed: The serene atmosphere and the simplicity of the interiors.
Cathedral of Saint Lawrence
The main cathedral of Genoa, dedicated to Saint Lawrence, is a Genoese Gothic masterpiece with Romanesque and Renaissance elements. It is renowned for its white-and-black marble façade and its treasury, which includes the Sacred Basin, believed by some to be the Holy Grail.
Not to be missed: The chapel of Saint John the Baptist, the city's patron saint, and the remains of an unexploded bomb from World War II.
Not to be missed: The chapel of Saint John the Baptist, the city's patron saint, and the remains of an unexploded bomb from World War II.
Church of Saint Matthew
Small yet captivating, this church is located in the namesake square and was the place of worship for the Doria family. Genoese Gothic style is evident both on the exterior and interior.
Not to be missed: Numerous artworks inside, as well as the sarcophagus of Andrea Doria and the iconic cloister adjacent to the church.
Not to be missed: Numerous artworks inside, as well as the sarcophagus of Andrea Doria and the iconic cloister adjacent to the church.
Church of Jesus and Saints Ambrose and Andrew
This church is a magnificent example of Genoese Baroque, situated in the heart of the city near Piazza De Ferrari. It stands out for its decorative opulence, a triumph of polychrome marble, gilding, and artworks.
Not to be missed: The two paintings, The Circumcision of Jesus and The Miracle of Saint Ignatius by Peter Paul Rubens, and The Assumption by Guido Reni.
Not to be missed: The two paintings, The Circumcision of Jesus and The Miracle of Saint Ignatius by Peter Paul Rubens, and The Assumption by Guido Reni.
Church of San Pietro in Banchi
A unique church built above shops to finance its construction. Located a few steps from the Old Port.
Must-see: The frescoes by Giovanni Battista Castello and the unusual elevated architecture.
Must-see: The frescoes by Giovanni Battista Castello and the unusual elevated architecture.
Church of San Giorgio
A symbol of the city linked to the patron saint of Genoa. Located near the Old Port, it is a landmark for the Genoese.
Must-see: The Romanesque simplicity of the building and its historical location near the city walls.
Must-see: The Romanesque simplicity of the building and its historical location near the city walls.
Church of San Donato
In the heart of the historic center, this is one of the oldest churches in Genoa, featuring breathtaking Romanesque architecture and a characteristic octagonal stone bell tower.
Must-see: The iconic Madonna with Child by Nicolò da Voltri and the extraordinary triptych The Adoration of the Magi by the Flemish artist Joos Van Cleve.
Must-see: The iconic Madonna with Child by Nicolò da Voltri and the extraordinary triptych The Adoration of the Magi by the Flemish artist Joos Van Cleve.
Church of Santa Maria di Castello
Located in the ancient Castello district, this Romanesque basilica offers serenity and rich history. It features splendid frescoes and a cloister filled with architectural details.
Must-see: The Annunciation fresco by Giusto di Ravensburg and the museum with sacred art and artifacts.
Must-see: The Annunciation fresco by Giusto di Ravensburg and the museum with sacred art and artifacts.
Church of San Marco al Molo
Located in the Old Dock area, this church is connected to Genoese sailors. Its architecture is simple yet evocative.
Must-see: The authentic atmosphere and maritime references.
Must-see: The authentic atmosphere and maritime references.