basilica of santa maria di castello

I suggest a short walk. From Piazza Dante, you can go into the Old City through Porta Soprana (also known as Porta di Sant'Andrea), walk along Via Di Ravecca, cross Piazza Sarzano (where you can see an old pit with the stony head of "Giano Bifronte", an ancient symbol of Genoa), and climb the hill of Castello. On the top of this hill, you can visit Santa Maria di Castello, a severe early Christian building. Very interesting is the Cloister, all frescoed by Flemish medieval painters.

Several reviewers have mentioned this, and it totally changed our experience there. We went twice, the first time close to closing time and so resolved to come back.The next time, one of the chaperones recognized us and offered to take us on a free tour, guiding us into the back rooms where there was a little museum, a beautiful cloister, and several other big rooms iand archways worth seeing. If you don't ask to do this, you've missed some of the best parts of this wonderful church… It's actually much much bigger than you would imagine from just standing in the nave and looking around. There are a handful of chaperones in the museum who love to take tourists around… Don't be shy about the language barrier, just ask. If you'd like to make a contribution, buy the wonderful guidebook or a couple of the posters… We did after we saw the wonderful art.

Was a bit tricky to find but what a pleasure it is to see a very old church completely blend in the dwelling houses around! I could not believe my eyes. It simply popped out around the corner. Beautiful inside too but I cannot say much of it. Like any church in Italy it is unique. Simply put, it won't disappoint you.

Even if I live in Genoa this complex was unknown to me... It was a really surprise to discover that in our narrow street city there is a so old church with a lot of cloisters, paints, frescos. I suggest a visit.

Very nice church with excellent architecture, roman pillars. The art work are beautifully done in 14-1500's. The painting on the stone is beautiful. When I went there in the evening nobody was there except guardian. I asked guardian to show me inside, he showed me the inner area where the hidden gems of paintings were present. The door in wall, then the painting in stone, corridor roof painted. It is all beautiful.

This place is worth going to see as it has one of the most amazing ornate interiors I have ever seen. A Romanesque gem in the heart of old Genova that helps to situate you within the historic mythology of Genova. I also loved the Cathedral of San Lorenzo that supposedly contains the relics of Saint John the Baptist and definitely has some very fine Peter Ruben's baroque paintings. Enjoy Genova!!!

This is a beautiful cathedral that has wonderful art work and painted ceilings. After traveling through Italy the past two weeks with stops in Rome and Florence I am still amazed by the attention to detail that the churches of Italy have. This church could be a museum, and did not have the touristy feeling of some of the other churches I visited during my trip. It is definitely worth having a look when you are in Genoa.

Typical beautiful Italian Basilica, area surrounding is outstanding and worth the walk down to the harbour. Magnificant old galleon at dockside which you can visit.

The church is a nice place to visit, we found it by accident! Ask the guy inside to show you the back area, there is a lot that you do not see in front. In the back, there are some interesting exhibited stuff (paintings, sculptures, robes, etc.). They only spoke Italian, though.

I saw the basilica from outside. It was a very nice building and people were sitting on the steps enjoying a lunch, which was very nice to watch. A must see, when you are in Genoa.

Unassuming but once you step in that changes. The main section dates back to medieval times. Really worth a look, better than the cathedral.

Nearly passed this basilica but fortunately we stopped in for a quick look and stayed. The basilica is very old with some amazing art work. It is free with a donation only.

Santa Maria di Castello.. what a hidden gem with a modest Romanesque exterior. Had no idea it housed so much classic artwork would have spent time inside it. Instead we spent time gawping at the tall tower near it.

Genoese are a very modest people, used since Middle Ages to hide their treasures. This is why medieval palaces in Genoa are modest from the street, just to reveal marvelous courtyards, fountains, and interiors with paintings from Van Dijk and Rubens.This just to explain why a church like Santa Maria di Castello in France would be well known all over the world, with hours of queue to visit it, while in Genoa is a quiet medieval church you can discover like a gem.The church lies in the original site of primitive Genoa (6th C. bC), and was built by Dominican monks in Romanic style in XIV century.It has such a wealth of sculpture, paintings, relics etc. that it is more a museum than a church.Among its treasures, a "Cristo Moro" (Moor Christ), a wooden crucifix in dark wood donated by migrants from Lucca in 1400, and believed to make miracles (see photo). A banner from the Turkish fleet defeated in the Battle of Lepanto (1571). A mural painting of Annunciazione. A bomb (one of the more than 10.000) shot from the French fleet during the bombing of Genoa (1670), which hit the church and by miracle did not explode (Cristo Moro ??). 3 cloisters. A wonderful view of old Genoa harbour. Etc etcAll this is free of charge during opening hours.After the visit, taste the wonderful "farinata" (chickpea's flour pie) in the old Sciamadda, just 200 m from the church.Enjoy it, you will not miss France :-)

Why should a 32-year-old genoese guy write a review about Santa Maria di Castello on TA?!? Well, it's pretty clear Genova is not the typical touristic spot where everything attractive is well organized and advertised. No, Genova needs to be discovered and Santa Maria di Castello is an excellent example of what I'm saying: if this ancient church was in Rome or Florence, you'd pay up to 10$ or € to visit the 3 floor building with all its precious paintings and frescos and would queue for hours. I think that just a few of my fellow citizens have visited this piece of history! Also the keepers are very nice and experts; you only have to ask and they will show the whole amazing masterpiece.If you're coming to Genoa you cannot miss it, as well as Torre Embriaci and fascinating Campo Pisano...You'll find out that it's not worth wasting time in soulless cities as Nice, Pisa or Milan! :)