Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
Genoa
With its black-and-white striped façade, the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo is Genoa's main place of worship. It holds precious relics and the memory of a naval shell from the Second World War that hit it without exploding. Your treasure map takes you to the cathedral that dominates Genoa's historic centre.
History
The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo was consecrated in 1118, but building went on for centuries, passing from the Romanesque to the Gothic style. The distinctive façade with horizontal black and white bands, typical of Ligurian architecture and tied to the noble privilege of using this motif, was largely built between the 13th and 14th centuries.
What to see
The Gothic façade has three richly carved splayed portals and a large central rose window. On either side of the main entrance sit two marble lions, which have become a symbol of the city.
Inside, with its three naves, opens the Chapel of San Giovanni Battista (Saint John the Baptist), dedicated to Genoa's patron saint, whose relics the cathedral keeps. The Museo del Tesoro holds precious objects, including the famous Sacro Catino, a green glass bowl traditionally linked to the Last Supper.
Curiosities
In the right-hand nave, the casing of a British naval shell recalls the bombardment from the sea on 9 February 1941: the shell broke through the roof but did not explode, and a plaque celebrates the narrow escape.
Visiting
Entry to the cathedral is generally free, while the Museo del Tesoro requires a ticket. It stands in the heart of the historic centre, reachable on foot through Genoa's famous caruggi, the narrow alleys of the old town.
