San Bartolomeo degli Armeni

San Bartolomeo degli Armeni is a church in Genoa's Castelletto district built with a central dome above the altar and preserved sections of its original apse. The interior holds one remaining side chapel on the left, alongside artworks by Italian masters from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

The church was founded in 1308 by Armenian monks seeking refuge in Genoa and building their religious community. A Byzantine emperor gifted the Face of Edessa to the church through Doge Leonardo Montaldo, making it a major pilgrimage site.

The name reflects the Armenian monks who established the church and maintained their spiritual tradition within Genoa's walls. The artworks by Italian masters visible inside show how the Armenian community integrated with the city's artistic life.

Visiting works best during daylight hours when natural light illuminates the details of the artworks and architecture. It helps to move slowly through the interior to fully appreciate the preserved elements and the paintings on the walls.

Inside the church rests the Face of Edessa, a tempera panel painting depicting Christ that is considered a major medieval relic. This artwork drew pilgrims for centuries and made this modest church a place of great spiritual importance.