Chiesa del Gesù e dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea

Admission to the church is free, but time-limited. The church is open from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The site was originally occupied by the old church of Sant'Ambrogio, mentioned as early as the 6th century and associated with Bishop Onorato of Milan, who fled to Genoa from the Lombard invaders. In 1552, the building passed into the hands of the Jesuit Order, which decided to remodel it. In 1589, the Jesuit architect Giuseppe Valeriano (Valeriani) designed it, remodeling it and adapting it to new spiritual, liturgical, and artistic requirements. Construction lasted until around the beginning of the 17th century, around 1606. The façade, although based on the original design, was completely rebuilt in the 19th century (specifically, 1894). The bell tower ("campanile") is a newer element, built in the 20th century. Interior: main nave ("aula unica") with six side bays, nave with a central dome. Single-nave layout with vaults and side chapels. The interior is richly decorated: polychrome marble (multicolored), columns, side chapels, lectern, and flooring. The vaults and dome are decorated with frescoes (e.g., by the Carlone brothers) and other decorative and illustrative elements of the Genoese Baroque. Most valuable works of art: - "La Circoncisione" (The Circumcision of Jesus) by Pieter Paul Rubens, located at the main altar. - "Saint Ignatius Healing an Obsessive Woman" by Rubens, also in the left aisle (third chapel from the left). - "Assunzione" (The Assumption of Mary) by Guido Reni, in the right aisle (third chapel from the right). - Numerous frescoes and decorations by the brothers Giovanni and Giovanni Battista Carlone. Side chapels and works by numerous artists of the Genoese school and artists from outside Genoa make the church an important venue for the presentation of Baroque art. Il Gesù served the Jesuit order, which, during the Counter-Reformation, placed great importance on architecture and art as tools to inspire the faithful and elevate the liturgy. The church has played, and continues to play, a significant role as a place of worship in Genoa. Artistic: It is one of the key examples of Genoese Baroque; its interior, decorations, altarpieces, and works by masters such as Rubens and Reni influenced local art and artists in the region. Historical: It inherits a very ancient site, dating back to the 6th century; it demonstrates the continuity of religious life in Genoa through the centuries, as well as its adaptation and reconstruction in response to changing styles, theology, and the needs of the faithful.

Absolutely gorgeous interiors of the Church del Gesu! Definitely make time to step inside and admire it. I happened to come at Mass and it was a magical experience hearing the priest's powerful voice in Italian echoing in the church.

This Church is a must to see if you are in Genoa.It was built by the Jesuit’s. It's a beautiful church with so much to see, you could spend a day and not see all the detail. The workmanship is excellent.The alter has both paintings and statues adorning each side. Don't forget to look up. The paintings overhead are worth a neck bend as well. Look down too! The skeleton tiles are a very unique feature for a religious building. There is gold gilding, many paintings, great statues and even upper balconies. There are 3 masterpieces here: two works by Peter Paul Rubens, the Circumcision (1608, on the high altar) and Saint Ignatius healing a possessed woman (third chapel in the left aisle), as well as one by Guido Reni, the Assumption (third chapel in the right aisle). The 19th-century façade, based on drawings by Rubens, was re-built after the demolition of a building that connected the church to Palazzo Ducale. Don't miss this one!

Visited the Chiesa del Gesù e dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea today, and it’s absolutely breathtaking! The modest exterior hides an explosion of baroque beauty inside—stunning frescoes, gold details, and masterpieces by Rubens and Reni. A true hidden gem in Genoa that’s a feast for the eyes. Don't miss it!

A stunning church located in the heart of Genova! It’s got beautiful architecture, with wonderful interiors and even exterior. Made in the late 16th century, it was made in a wonderful Baroque style.

The church is absolutely stunning with its incredible historical arts decorations. Its beauty can hardly be captured by my phone’s camera. Definitely worth the visit!

**mother church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was built between 1568 and 1584. **famous for being the first Jesuit church built in Rome and a significant example of Baroque Roman art.

Impressive church on the outside. Next to a brilliant square. And close to the cathedral.