Basilica di Santa Maria Immacolata, Minor basilica in Castelletto district, Genoa, Italy
Basilica di Santa Maria Immacolata is a shrine in the Castelletto district with a Greek cross floor plan, three naves, eight chapels, and a gilded bronze statue of the Immaculate Virgin atop its dome. The structure was built entirely from stone and displays fine craftsmanship on its exterior facade.
Construction began in 1856 and gained momentum in 1863 when Genoese citizens funded the project as a response to Ernest Renan's controversial book about Jesus. The shrine became the first church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception after Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma in 1854.
The church displays Renaissance Revival features and contains wooden crucifixes from the 17th century, frescoes by Nicolò Barabino, and carved wooden choir stalls that visitors encounter while walking through the interior.
The shrine stands along Via Assarotti, partway up from Piazza Corvetto, with detailed stone craftsmanship visible on its exterior. Visitors should know that its hillside location means access can vary in difficulty depending on the approach direction.
The site was chosen in 1854 to show the Pope that Genoese citizens supported his decision to proclaim the dogma. This made it a living monument reflecting both religious faith and civic approval.
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