San Nicola da Tolentino, Catholic church in Castelletto district, Genoa, Italy.
San Nicola da Tolentino is a brick church located in the Castelletto neighborhood and belongs to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Genoa. The building displays traditional architectural features characteristic of Genoese religious structures.
The Discalced Augustinians built the church between 1597 and 1601 to a design by Andrea Ceresola, known as Vannone; it opened for worship in 1602. On 7 November 1942 a heavy bombing largely destroyed it and damaged the adjoining convent. Rebuilt between 1945 and 1950 and enlarged between 1964 and 1970, it received a new facade in 1976-1977 and was consecrated by Cardinal Giuseppe Siri on 7 June 1980.
The church is named after Nicholas of Tolentino, an Augustinian friar canonised in 1446. The bare-footed Augustinian order built it, and the dedication follows their rule. Inside, the wooden group of Saint Nicholas with the Virgin and souls in purgatory by Pasquale Navone stands out, along with a Madonna attributed to Tommaso Orsolino.
The church stands on Salita della Madonnetta, along the route up to the Sanctuary of the Madonnetta in the Castelletto district, and is still an active parish church of the Archdiocese of Genoa. Access is on foot along the stepped climb; the single barrel-vaulted nave and side chapels are visited on foot. Look for the 1976-1977 facade before entering.
The church was rebuilt between 1945 and 1950 after the 1942 bombing, then enlarged in 1964–1970; the present facade dates from 1976–1977. Cardinal Giuseppe Siri consecrated it on 7 June 1980. The interior keeps a 1656 inlaid marble portal beside the presbytery.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,943 contributors worldwide.