Piazza San Matteo is one of the main squares of Genoa. Find this lovely piazza standing in the heart of a tangle of picturesque streets in the old quarter of the city. See the famous Roman Catholic Chiesa di San Matteo and wander around a historic site that used to be the private property of a very wealthy family.
The square was the center of power of the Doria, an old and extremely rich Genoese house. This renowned family played an important role in the history of the Republic of Genoa and Italy, from the 12th to the 16th century. Visit this beautiful area to discover some fine examples of medieval architecture and the striking San Matteo church. Surrounding the square, find several palazzi, the elegant residences of eminent members of the Doria.
The Chiesa di San Matteo is the main attraction of the piazza. The church was founded in 1125 by Martino Doria as a private chapel for his family, and it was later converted into Gothic style. Take some beautiful photos of this famous building in Genoa and admire the large rose window in the center of the church’s façade, which has distinctive black and white stripes. The white stripes are made of marble and the black ones of slate. Spot the marble slab of the tomb of Lamba Doria, the Italian admiral of the Republic of Genoa who defeated the Venetians in the famous battle of Curzola.
Wander inside the fantastic interior of the church. In the 16th century, the admiral Andrea Doria commissioned a new decorative design and had his tomb built in the crypt under the high altar. Examine the crypt to see its stucco work and the beautiful sculptures by the famous Florentine artist Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli. Admire the works of art by the Italian painter Bernardo Castello and by Luca Cambiaso, one of the leading creatives at the time in Genoa.
Near the Piazza San Matteo find other picturesque squares like the Piazza delle Erbe, where you can see locals gathering with their families.
