San Bartolomeo degli Armeni, Catholic church and shrine in Castelletto district, Genoa, Italy.
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.
The church stands in piazza San Bartolomeo degli Armeni in Castelletto, but a residential building erected in 1883 closes off the facade and right side, so only the bell tower shows from outside. The Mandylion is displayed during the week after Pentecost Sunday. Look for the 1596 Martirio di San Bartolomeo by Lazzaro Tavarone on the vault.
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.
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