Santa Maria in Via Lata, Romanesque church in Genoa, Italy

Santa Maria in Via Lata is a church in Genoa featuring Romanesque style with stone walls, rounded arches, and balanced proportions. The building displays typical medieval construction methods with high walls and window openings that bring light into the interior space.

The church was founded in 1340 and has shaped the religious life of Genoa for nearly 7 centuries. Its establishment coincided with a period when the city was expanding its power and building such structures as signs of its strength.

The name comes from the Roman basilica of Santa Maria in Via Lata, the cardinal title of Luca Fieschi, who funded the church in his 1336 will. A collegiate of twelve canons was set up at once and lasted until 1550, when the Fieschi endowment failed. The family kept the church as a commendam until 1858, when the last abbot, Cardinal Adriano Fieschi, died.

The former church stands on the Salita di Santa Maria in Via Lata in the Carignano district, above the historic centre and reached on foot via stepped alleys. It now houses a restoration laboratory, so it is not open as a place of worship; access depends on the laboratory's activity.

The building was designated as Italian national heritage, showing it holds value not just for the city but for the entire country. This heritage status means its details and structure have been carefully preserved.