Albin Q.
Google
Entrance to the Basilica is free and open daily. A chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary had already stood on the site of the basilica since the 6th century. According to tradition, the chapel was built there in response to a Marian apparition.
Around 980 (end of the 10th century), Oberto Visconti, together with Guido di Carmandino, initiated the construction of a new church on the site of this chapel.
The first documented mention of the new church comes from the "Registrum Curiae" of 1083.
In 1147, it became a parish church, playing an important role in religious life in the commercial district near the port.
From the 13th century onward, the building underwent numerous renovations. Significant modernization and enlargement of the apse and side chapels took place in the late 16th century, financed by the Grillo family.
In the 17th century, the church's interior was redesigned in the Baroque style, including by Daniele Casella. Baroque elements, a dome, new columns, and decorations were added.
A neoclassical façade was added between 1841 and 1848 (designed by Ippolito Cremona).
In 1983, Pope John Paul II granted the church the title of minor basilica.
The church initially had a typical Romanesque plan: a basilica with three naves, a transept, and an apse; strong walls; and a simple layout.
The most characteristic surviving Romanesque element is the tall bell tower with bifora and pentaphorae (two- and five-light windows), an octagonal turret at the top (cuspide), complemented by sharp "pinnacoli" (pinnacles) around the top of the tower.
In the 17th century, the interior was redesigned in line with Baroque fashion: larger windows (e.g., semicircular windows) were introduced, and the vaults, columns, side chapels, and decorations were redesigned.
Facade: Neoclassical, built in the mid-19th century by Ippolito Cremona.
Some of the most important works and interior elements:
The main altar (altare maggiore) by Giacomo Antonio Ponsonelli (1730) features a statue of the Virgin Mary supported by figures of angels.
Side altars with paintings include the Natività della Vergine (Birth of the Virgin) by Giuseppe Cades; the Presentation of the Virgin by Giovanni David; and the Annunciazione by Carlo Giuseppe Ratti.
The side portal, dating from the 15th century, is decorated with sculptures attributed to Donato Rodari and Giovanni Gaggini; above it is a lunette with a fresco by Domenico Piola depicting the Madonna and Child with San Giovannino holding a bunch of grapes.
The tomb of Anselmo d'Incis (1304) – a papal physician – is surmounted by the front of a 2nd-century Roman sarcophagus, featuring the motif "The Death of Phaedra." It is located under an arch at the base of the bell tower.
Santa Maria delle Vigne is considered the oldest Marian sanctuary in Genoa.
The name "delle Vigne" ("of the vines") comes from the fact that the church was originally surrounded by vineyards before the area was developed.
Located in the Maddalena district, in the heart of the old town, close to other important monuments, the "Piazza delle Vigne" square is dominated by the basilica's façade, and is surrounded by noble palaces.
The basilica serves as a parish church and is an important place of Marian devotion. The feast of the related dedication – the Presentation of Mary (November 21) – is celebrated here with significant significance.
