San Matteo, Gothic church in central Genoa, Italy.
Description
San Matteo is a Gothic church in central Genoa with a striking facade of alternating black and white marble stripes. The interior contains Renaissance frescoes and decorative plasterwork, while an attached 14th-century cloister features paired columns and pointed arches surrounding a quiet courtyard.
History
The church was founded in 1125 by Martino Doria as a family chapel and received its Gothic form during a major renovation in 1278. A 16th-century redesign of the interior brought Renaissance artworks that reflected the family's rising prominence in Genoa.
Culture
The church is dedicated to Saint Matthew and served as a spiritual center for Genoa's powerful Doria family for centuries. Visitors can still observe how the family expressed their importance through the artworks and burial sites within the walls.
Practical
The church is easy to reach on foot since it sits in a central location near Genoa's main streets. The adjoining cloister can be visited during regular hours and provides a peaceful spot to wander and observe the architectural details.
Did you know?
The crypt holds the tomb of Andrea Doria, a celebrated sea commander, alongside his ceremonial sword gifted by Pope Paul III. This pairing reveals how the church marked both family authority and papal recognition in a single sacred space.
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Genoa blends Renaissance architecture with views of the sea and mountains rising behind the city. In the streets of the old town, palaces from the 16th and 17th centuries stand with frescoed interiors and marble portals. The harbor stretches along the coast, where old cranes sit beside modern...
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