Basilica di Santa Maria di Castello

You are standing at the Basilica of Santa Maria di Castello, a place that holds the very DNA of Genoa. Located on the hill of Castello, the highest point of the historic center, this is where the first pre-Roman settlement was…

The facade of Santa Maria di Castello is a masterclass in the Romanesque style of the 1100s. It is simple, powerful, and unadorned, reflecting the city's early medieval wealth and military strength. …

Upon entering, you are greeted by a three-aisled nave that feels like a stone forest. The columns on the left and right are not identical; they are an eclectic collection of Roman and early medieval pillars, each with a unique…

We now move into the most famous part of the complex: the cloisters. The first cloister is a two-story arcaded courtyard that serves as a transition between the public church and the private monastic world. …

As you proceed deeper into the complex, the second and third cloisters reveal the scale of this monastic community. These areas now house the Museum of Santa Maria di Castello, a treasure trove of Genoese religious art. …

Beneath the high altar and the nave lie the archaeological excavations that prove the ancient origins of the Castello hill. Here, you can see the remains of Roman walls and even pre-Roman, Ligurian structures. …

Before we conclude, we must visit the upper loggia, which offers one of the most beautiful and surprising views of Genoa. From here, the city unfolds toward the sea. …

As we depart from the Basilica of Santa Maria di Castello, take a moment to look back at its sturdy, Romanesque facade. We have traveled from the very dawn of Genoa's history in the Roman crypts to the height of Renaissance…