Santi Gervasio e Protasio, Minor basilica in Rapallo, Italy
Santi Gervasio e Protasio is a basilica in Rapallo with a neoclassical facade by Gio Batta Olivieri (1852–1856) and a dome by Milanese architect Gaetano Moretti, completed in 1920. The interior keeps four naves; the bell tower beside the apse rises 67 metres, the tallest in Liguria, with 12 bells.
The church received its dedication in 1118 from Pope Gelasius II during his travels in the region. The building underwent significant changes in later centuries, including the addition of its major dome in the early 20th century.
The name comes from the Milanese martyrs Gervasius and Protasius, tied to the Ambrosian church's presence in Liguria. The main bronze portal by Arrigo Minerbi (1957, with Piero Brolis) shows the apparition of the Madonna of Montallegro to the farmer Giovanni Chichizola on 2 July 1557; the side doors by Guglielmo Salvini depict Saints Lucia, Rosalia and the two patrons. In the left aisle, the first altar holds a painting of Saint Lucia dated 1600 and attributed to Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari.
The basilica sits in a central location between main streets and squares of Rapallo, making it easy to locate. Visitors should be aware that religious services may occasionally affect access to the building.
The main bronze portal was created by sculptor Arrigo Minerbi in 1957 and replaced earlier entrances to the building. A small trapezoidal stone marker shows where an ancient pagan temple once stood on this same location.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,862 contributors worldwide.