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Genoa's Cathedral of San Lorenzo (Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Lorenzo) is one of the city's most important and recognizable churches—a blend of history, diverse architectural styles, and rich sacred art. Below is a general description: history, architecture, interior, works of art, and interesting facts.
The first churches on this site date back to the 5th and 6th centuries. An early basilica existed here, already being expanded and serving as a Christian community.
The current church was consecrated by Pope Gelasius II in 1118, at which time San Lorenzo gained cathedral status.
In the 13th and 14th centuries, the building underwent significant renovations: Gothic elements were added, and a distinctive façade, interior colonnades, and side chapels were created. After a fire in 1296, repair and reconstruction work were necessary.
In the 16th century, the architect Galeazzo Alessi designed significant modifications, including: The dome, apse, and roofs of the side naves.
Restorations were carried out in the 19th and 20th centuries, restoring or enhancing the medieval elements of the original building. This work was also carried out as part of the Jubilee of the Year 2000.
The façade features characteristic black and white marble stripes—a feature common to many churches in northern Italy, including the influence of Pisa and Liguria.
Three portals are decorated with reliefs and sculptures. The lunettes above the main portal feature a motif of the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence (San Lorenzo) and an image of God the Father with symbols of the Evangelists.
Two towers (bell towers) flank the façade: one left tower was not originally completed, while the upper part of the right tower was completed later (16th century). The divergence of the towers gives the façade a slightly asymmetrical character.
Stairs and fortifications in front of the cathedral: In the 19th century, the front stairs were rebuilt and marble lions were added, repositioned following urban changes (raising/lowering the square, etc.).
The basilica has a traditional layout with three naves divided by columns. The side naves contain numerous chapels, donated by various families and foundations.
Behind the main altar are the dome and apse designed by Galeazzo Alessi. The apse features late Mannerist and Baroque decorations, including frescoes by Lazzaro Tavarone.
The Chapel of St. John the Baptist (San Giovanni Battista) — one of the most valuable interiors: sculptures, reliefs, marble decorations, and works by artists such as Matteo Civitale, Andrea Sansovino, and Giovanni d’Aria.
The interior is rich in frescoes, stained glass, marble decorations, and stucco; Decorative elements represent the artistic traditions of Liguria, Tuscany, and Lombardy.
The Museo del Tesoro (Treasury of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo) — beneath the church, in cellars or vaults, it houses numerous sacred objects and relics from the 11th to the 21st centuries.
Among the most important artifacts:
Sacro Catino — a green crystal or glass bowl/dish, considered for centuries a probable "Grail," mythically associated with the Last Supper. Today, research indicates it is an Islamic/Shiite artifact from the 9th-10th centuries.
Gold and silver arks and crosses, including the Zaccaria Cross.
Ark of the Relics of St. John the Baptist — the saint's ashes from the Holy Land, donated to Genoa.
San Lorenzo is the diocesan cathedral — the main church of the Archdiocese of Genoa. This place is important not only religiously, but also historically and socially.
For centuries, the square in front of the cathedral (sagrato) was a place for public gatherings, political events, and urban rituals—it served as the "agora" of the medieval city.
During World War II, the cathedral was hit by a bomb (1941). The bomb lodged in the nave, did not explode, and remains a curiosity within the building to this day.
The celebration of the feast of St. Lawrence (August 10) is an important day for Genoa. Entrance to the cathedral is free, there is no waiting time, and the cathedral is open every day.
