The Piazza San Matteo is one of the oldest squares in Genoa. It dates back to the Middle Ages. Highlights are the San Matteo Church and some houses that used to belong to the illustrious Doria family. The most famous scion of the family, Andrea Doria, is buried in the crypt of the church.
Piazza San Matteo Genoa
Useful information
Bus: 20, 35, 36, 606, 618, 635, 641, n1, n2.
History and Description
The main attractions in Piazza San Matteo are the San Matteo Church and the Case dei Doria (“Houses of the Dorias”).
The San Matteo Church is characterized by a Romanesque-Gothic architecture. It was built between the 12th and 13th centuries to serve as a family chapel for the Doria family. On the facade, the Byzantine mosaic above the portal stands out. The interior is the result of a 16th century reconstruction. The burial chapel created by Giovanni da Montorsoli is located in the crypt of this church.
To the left of the church there is a cloister dating from the 14th century.
The Case dei Doria are particularly notable for the alternating black and white marble bands of their facades. They are further characterized by the beautiful portals and loggias. The houses were all built between the 13th and 16th centuries.