Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

A true Genovese gem. Step inside for the dramatic black-and-white marble, stay for the climb. The tower rewards you with breathtaking views of the city and sea, 100% worth the steps. If you’re only seeing one thing in Genova, let it be this. Gothic vibes + skyline goals.

This cathedral is absolutely stunning; I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I was truly impressed. The black-and-white style adds a unique and striking touch. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting. I absolutely loved it!

Beautiful beautiful church. So much history. Use a guide to get the full experience! Pay extra to go to the top of the cathedral. It's worth it.

On a tour that included Genoa, Pisa and Florence it was interesting to note the architectural similarities in their cathedrals which are more or less all contemporaneous in construction date. All include black and white marble banding in their facades, tall bell towers (though Pisa is unique in having a freestanding tower and in white marble and limestone throughout) and sumptuous frescoes. Genoa cathedral though suffers in comparison, it being closely hemmed in by later buildings so that the only decent view is of the main entrance facade from the Piazza San Lorenzo. It also has been altered over the years, largely because of explosive damage during the 16th century and shelling during WW2. The nave roof was lost, including frescoes, and has been reinstated but with only a plain white ceiling. The remaining frescoes show how tragic that loss has been. What remains is is to be thankful for and enjoyed.

Amazing architecture and art. You can sit for a while and walk around pretty freely. No flash photography but it's ok to take pictures.

The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo in Genoa is a breathtaking masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, steeped in centuries of history and spirituality. But what truly sets this cathedral apart is the Treasure Museum, which houses an extraordinary collection of holy relics and artifacts. Among the most revered items is the Holy Chalice, believed by some to be the Holy Grail—a stunning green glass cup encased in ornate medieval craftsmanship, thought to have been used by Christ at the Last Supper. The museum also safeguards a relic of the True Cross, a fragment believed to be from the cross on which Jesus was crucified. This sacred artifact is displayed with reverence and offers visitors a profound connection to Christianity’s central story. Another fascinating piece is the silver plate said to have held the head of St. John the Baptist, which was presented to King Harold before finding its way to Genoa. The craftsmanship and historical significance of this relic make it a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Amazing church with an unique mix of architectural styles, gothic, renaissance and barroco. Also hosts the relics of St. John Baptist inside a XII arch. So after admiring the bas-reliefs on the gate, the lions at the stairs, the chapels (mainly San Lorenzo´s) and the main altar, pay the ticket to see the "sacro casino" .Definitely worth to pay a visit.

Beautiful church, very worthy to visit it.