San Donato

San Donato is a Romanesque church in central Genoa featuring a three-nave interior lined with stone columns and marble decorations. An octagonal bell tower rises prominently above the structure, creating a distinctive silhouette in the medieval district.

The church was consecrated in 1189 and witnessed foreign invasions, including attacks by French naval forces in 1684. Over the centuries, extensive restoration work repaired damage and preserved the structure for future generations.

The interior holds artworks by renowned artists such as Joos van Cleve and Domenico Piola that decorate the walls. These pieces reflect the religious and artistic importance this place held for Genoa over centuries.

The church sits on a small square in the medieval district and is accessible to visitors during weekdays. The location is easily reached on foot and offers a sense of Genoa's historic center.

The octagonal bell tower showcases the craftsmanship of Genoa's medieval builders, who executed precise stonework without modern tools. This architectural achievement often goes unnoticed but deserves attention for its constructive ingenuity.

Location: Genoa

Inception: 12 century

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Website: https://sandonato.org

GPS coordinates: 44.40572,8.93157

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42