Genoa’s grand Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (San Lorenzo Cathedral) is an iconic landmark. Said to house the ashes of John the Baptist, the patron saint of the city, it has played an important cultural role for centuries. Make your way here to discover its Gothic-Romanesque architecture and impressive paintings and relics.
The San Lorenzo Cathedral was first built in 1098 and was consecrated in 1118. However, its origins may date as far back as Roman times. It has been expanded over the centuries to incorporate a mixture of styles. Begin your explorations by gazing up at the façade, which is flanked by two large bell towers, one higher than the other. Lion heads peer down at you and there are grand Gothic doors through which to enter and explore the riches inside.
Look for the many fine works of art here, including a Byzantine painting of The Last Judgment just inside the central doorway. Also worth seeking out is the “Sacro Catino,” a emerald-green glass basin that is said to have been at the Last Supper. You will find it in the treasury museum (Museo del Tesoro della Cattedrale di San Lorenzo) which is accessed through a door inside the cathedral.
The chapel of St. John the Baptist is along the left aisle. Don’t miss a rather alarming-looking British World War II bomb which sits on the right of the nave. Thankfully for the citizens of Genoa, the bomb failed to detonate and the building was spared.
The San Lorenzo Cathedral is located in Piazza San Lorenzo in the heart of Genoa. Walk through the oldest and narrowest lanes of the city until you reach the grand piazza, where there are traditional stores and inviting ice cream parlors. The cathedral is open daily, though usually closes for 3 hours at midday. If you’re lucky, your visit to Genoa could coincide with one of the classical concerts often hosted inside the atmospheric cathedral.
