Santissimo Nome di Maria e degli Angeli Custodi, Baroque church in central Genoa, Italy
Santissimo Nome di Maria e degli Angeli Custodi is a Baroque church in central Genoa with a brick facade displaying two tiers of semi-columns and a triangular pediment. The building combines traditional architectural elements and stands near San Lorenzo Cathedral.
Construction began in 1712 under the Piarist Fathers and was completed in 1770, incorporating portions of an earlier structure. The church emerged during a period when the order was establishing its educational presence in Genoa.
The interior features frescoes by Giuseppe Galeotti and Andrea Leoncini depicting Saint Joseph Calasanz, founder of the Piarist Order. These artworks reflect the spiritual mission of the religious community that dedicated itself to education.
The church is located on Piazza delle Scuole Pie very close to San Lorenzo Cathedral, making it easy to find in central Genoa. The building sits among noble palaces of the Cicala family and offers a quiet spot within the urban surroundings.
Archaeological excavations during renovations in the 1980s revealed Roman Republican era remains beneath the church floor. These findings show that this location held significance for over two thousand years across different periods and communities.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
