Location: Genoa
Top Things to do in Genoa
10 Churches & Cathedrals in Genoa That You Shouldn't Miss
Wandering the narrow caruggi alleyways of Genoa is a bit like solving a medieval labyrinth. In the heart of the Italian port city lies Piazza de Ferrari, a main square with a beautiful fountain and a perimeter lined with historic buildings, including the Palace of the Doges the Teatro Carlo Felice, which was destroyed during WWII and subsequently rebuilt. The seaside neighborhood of Boccadasse is vision of pink and yellow buildings that brighten up this lovely fishing village.
Restaurants in Genoa
1. Basilica di Santa Maria di Castello
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 466 reviews
Reviewed By taymazimi - Ramsgate, United Kingdom
This is one of my favourite churches in Liguria. The rest of the abbey is not functional anymore and unfortunately is not always open to the public, but with a bit of luck you would be able to find one of the welcoming priests or lay people who work there to open the doors to the complex behind the church to see some of the best examples of 16th Century Ligurian frescoes. The complex behind this church is a true gem, but this is not to say that the church itself is anything less than that. The atmosphere of this church is very calming, so much that an atheist like me can sit in here for hours and not even realising how quickly the time has passed.
2. Santuario della Madonnetta
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
The construction started in May 4, 1695 and it was opened to the public in August 15, 1696. The same day, with the decree of the Senate of the Republic solicited by Fr. Carlo Giacinto, the city of Genova was consecrated to Mary in a solemn ceremony in the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. To emphasize the spiritual connection of the Madonna to the city of Genoa, he placed in the apse a wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin blessing the city. In April 18 1706, Msgr. Giambattista Costa, in behalf of the Archbishop of Genoa Card. Lorenzo Fieschi, consecrated the temple dedicating it to the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Mother of God, Immaculate Virgin, Assumed into heaven and Queen of the angels and saints. The Santuary is also a point of central reference for the Genoese artistic history because it was considered as a prototype of the churches of Liguria in 1700. However, the architecture distinguished himself above all for its mystical symbols that in a wonderful way translated the beauty and the presence of God. The structure of the Sanctuary is octagonal, a variation of the Baroqueellipse. Alongside the octagon there are six arcs and chapels in the corresponding doorways. The real attraction of the Madonetta is the monumental Crib-Scene of the Nativity which consists of a hundred of wooden sculptures wearing costumes of that epoch (17-18 cent), a product of Genoese anonymous artists.In 1977, after seven years of work, the crib was organized in permanent mode under the church behind the chapel of the Pietà. It covered the area of 100 sq. meter. At the left side is the court of the Magi (newsboy, soldiers, horses) leading towards the city of Jerusalem and heading towards the grotto of Nativity.
3. Chiesa di San Siro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, United States
As I was making my way from my nearby hotel to Palazzo Real, I stumbled upon this church. As I ascended a narrow alley this striking church presented itself. At the door was Giuseppe, a volunteer guide who is affiliated with the church (and others in the area) who welcomed me inside. He discussed various paintings, construction methods (ie: it took 45 years to complete this church), families affiliated with the church during its early years, its restoration post WWII (be sure to see the tall wooden ladders once used to restore areas near the ceiling), etc. The guild work, stone masonry and the art (paintings, frescoes, sculptures, woodwork) is truly spectacular.
4. Chiesa del Gesu e dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 465 reviews
Reviewed By alibeegp - Corbridge, United Kingdom
This Church is a must to see if you are in Genoa.It was built by the Jesuit’s and the wonderful Baroque decoration is very uplifting and beautiful,with wonderful paintings and 2 incredible Rubens ,just so much to see ,I definitely want to go back as impossible to take it all in .I preferred it much more to the Cathedral /Duomo ,just below it as though magnificent was very dour in comparison ,(for me personally )
5. San Pietro in Banchi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
6. Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 518 reviews
Reviewed By gretab430
Very beautiful church! A must visit when in Genova. But for some reason it was closed on Saturday, around 2 pm. I guess there are times when it closes, just would be great to know those somehow.
7. Chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano
8. Basilica delle Vigne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By laczkozsu - Debrecen, Hungary
This Church is rather simple outside but when you enter you's got a pleasant surprise. It's stunning. I think it's one of the most beautiful church in Genoa. My favourite part is the ceiling with the beautiful paintings. There's a mirror on the floor, so you can take good photos.
9. Chiesa di San Filippo Neri
10. Parrocchia San Giovanni Evangelista di Pre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Towards 1180, the Hospital Knights of Saint John from Jerusalem (later Knights of Malta), built a complex containing an "hospital" to welcome and give shelter to their members returning from the Holy Land, and other pilgrims and travellers, along with two churches superimposed, one for each floor of the "hospital" (a term that in medieval times indicated dormitories).
