Chiesa e Chiostro di San Matteo

The Church of San Matteo was founded in 1125 by Martino Doria as a private chapel (gentilizia) of the Doria family. In 1132, the church was dedicated by Bishop Siro II, now Pope Innocent II. The Doria family from the outset made St. Matthew their patron saint, also because Matthew served as tax collector (gabelliere), as did some family members. In 1278, the building was rebuilt in the Gothic style; the façade was set back to align with the new buildings forming the family square. Between 1308 and 1310, a chiostro (monastery-courtyard) was built next to the church. In the 16th century, under the direction of Andrea Doria, further changes were made: the interior was remodeled in the Baroque style, the nave (or aisles) and decoration were changed, and new elements were added, such as the chancel, dome, and crypt. Artists such as Giovanni Battista Castello and Luca Cambiaso contributed to the decoration. Sources also mention alterations to the naves between 1557 and 1559. Conservation work was carried out in the 20th century: in 1934, 1991-92, and others. Facade: Romanesque Gothic façade from the 13th century, typical of Genoa—alternating black and white stripes (black stone from Promontorio + white marble). The façade is divided into three sections by pilasters or arches; a large central rose window, flanked by two bifora windows. Nave and Interior: Interior with three naves, Baroque decorations following the 16th-century reconstructions. Vaulting/partitions, choir stalls, painted and sculptural decorations—including works by Luca Cambiaso and Giovanni Battista Castello. Chiostro (Cloister-Courtyard): Located on the left side of the church, it has a quadrangular floor plan, with pointed arches (ogival arches) on double, paired columns. A well is located in the center. Along the loggia walls are numerous tombstones of the Doria family. A few of the more important elements worth seeing: "Miracle of the Ethiopian Dragon" – a painting by Luca Cambiaso. "Vocation of St. Matthew" by Giovanni Battista Castello. "Deposition" – a wooden sculpture by Anton Maria Maragliano. High altar: "Holy Family with St. Anne" by Bernardo Castello. Sarcophagus of Andrea Doria in the crypt. Baroque organ by Antonio Alari (18th century, 1773). San Matteo is located in the heart of Genoa, in the "Molo" district. The square in front of the church is one of Genoa's best-preserved medieval urban spaces ("Piazza San Matteo"), surrounded by the palaces of the Doria family. Admission to the church is free and open daily.

A very pretty church near the Cathedral of Genova. The church serves as the chapel of the Doria family, an ancient and noble genovese family. It was constructed in a gothic style. Inside you will find many tombs of various Doria’s, and in the cloister, there are various scenes from Genovese history- such as the victory against Pisa. One of the columns in the church is red- according to local genovese history, that is the Blood of Branca Doria- a man who killed his son-in-law because he wanted his lands back in the late 13th century. Overall a hidden gem of Genova

This cloister (and the square around it) is amazing! It can be visited in about half an hour - but if you are a medieval art conaisseur you may want to spend the entire day here! If you can get a guide in advance so you can learn all about genovese history from the 13th century onwards. Don’t miss out on the San Matteo church (next to the cloister, with the traditional genovese marble and slate façade) and the buildings surrounding the square!

Beautiful church with some outstanding frescoes and sculpture as well as an adjacent cloister.

No photos inside!

Very different from other churches nearby as it is very plain inside. This is where Christopher Columbus was christened

This Gothic building with its white marble and black slate stripes is almost obscured by its surroundings. It had gone through transformation since it was founded in 1125 by Martino Doria. As a private chapel for the Doria family, it had seen renovation works with additional work like the presbytery and the dome, nave and aisles and various decorations. According to its history, the sword housed under the altar belonged to Andrea Doria, was donated by Pope Paul III. It's worth exploring.

A scandal,to put an ugly table to celebrate facing the people.Be sensible to History and the Traditions.Remove that desk please.

In Italy, there seems to be an interesting church around every corner. I consider myself to be a spiritual person and this Chiesa di San Matteo immediately caught my attention. I think it was the sight of the Parish Priest standing outside the distinctive structure that really intrigued me. The Church was founded in 1125 by Martino Doria, as the private chapel of his family. In 1278 it was totally renewed in Gothic style. This church asks that photos not be taken inside, and I was happy to just stand there and watch as the Priest and assistant were preparing the Altar