Commenda di San Giovanni di Pré, Medieval church complex in Genoa, Italy.
The Commenda di San Giovanni di Pré is a religious complex in Genoa featuring two stacked Romanesque churches connected by a three-story building. The entire ensemble is built from dimension stone and displays characteristic features of Romanesque construction.
The complex was built in 1180 for the Knights Hospitallers and served as a hospital and hostel for pilgrims heading to the Holy Land. This function as a pilgrim station shaped the architecture and character of the place.
The upper church displays paintings by Genoese Baroque artists including Bernardo Castello, shaping its late Romanesque interior. These artworks reflect the artistic wealth that visitors encounter when entering the space.
The entrance to the upper church is accessed through the former apse side, while the lower church has specific opening times for visitors. You should be prepared for varying light conditions when moving between the two church levels.
The bell tower from the 13th century features an octagonal cusp with four square spires and a series of triple-arched windows. These details give the tower distinctive architectural character that many visitors overlook.
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