Chiesa di Santa Maria di Castello (Church of Saint Mary of Castello), Genoa

The Church of Saint Mary of Castello, dating back to the 13th century, is one of Genoa’s oldest religious structures, offering a glimpse into the city’s Romanesque architectural past. Located in the oldest part of Genoa, this church was built on a pre-Roman site, once part of the city’s fortified settlement. The church’s façade, with its large pilasters and Romanesque arches, showcases the skill of the Lombard craftsmen who integrated Roman architectural remnants into the new design. Inside, the church retains its original Romanesque basilica layout, supported by Roman columns and featuring 15th-century cross-ribbed vaults. The space houses five chapels adorned with paintings by Ligurian artists, including works by Bernardo Castello and Domenico Piola.

The surrounding complex, including a frescoed cloister and a museum, enhances the historical significance of the site. The first cloister features the "Annunciation" by Giusto da Ravensburg, a Renaissance masterpiece, while the museum displays 15th-century frescoes, illuminated manuscripts, and a collection of Russian icons. Among the church’s many relics iare the "Black Christ" crucifix and the celebrated frescoes in the first cloister, including the "Annunciation" by Giusto da Ravensburg. The presbytery and apse, expanded in the 16th century, house a magnificent high altar, reflecting the church's adaptation to later religious reforms. Please note that the church is closed during religious celebrations and in August.