Cathedral of San Lorenzo

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo stands in Genoa’s historic centre, at Piazza San Lorenzo. Its striped black-and-white marble façade, sculpted entrance and stone lions make it easy to spot; inside, look up at the ceiling frescoes and explore the chapels. The building combines Romanesque foundations with Gothic and later Renaissance additions. The Treasure Museum holds religious objects including the Sacred Chalice, which some believe to be the Holy Grail, and relics connected with St John the Baptist. You can also climb the tower for views over Genoa, though access requires a separate payment.

A façade built over centuries

Construction began around 1098, replacing an earlier church on the site. The cathedral was consecrated in 1118, before the work was complete, and building continued over the following centuries. Its striking black-and-white striped façade was largely completed in the 13th century. The building brings together Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance elements, with the dome and other parts added or altered in the 16th century.

The façade’s contrasting stone bands are joined by carved details and columns. Two stone lions guard the entrance. Take time to look at the exterior from the square, then notice how the striped pattern continues inside in the arches and other architectural details.

Inside the cathedral

The interior has frescoes, sculptures, stained-glass windows and side chapels, with details from different periods of the cathedral’s history. Look up at the ceiling, where frescoes add colour above the columns and vaulted spaces. The building also bears marks of damage from the Second World War. In 1941, a bomb struck the cathedral but did not explode; it remains inside and can be seen during a visit.

The Chapel of San Giovanni Battista is dedicated to St John the Baptist, Genoa’s patron saint. Its construction and decoration involved sculptors including Gagini, Della Porta, Matteo Civitali and Sansovino. The chapel holds relics associated with the saint, including his ashes. The cathedral’s spaces offer a quieter place to pause amid the historic centre.