Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Genoa
Genoa's Cattedrale di San Lorenzo mixes Romanesque and Gothic elements from its 12th-13th century construction with later Renaissance additions, its black-and-white striped marble facade a distinctive local style shared with other Genoese churches. An unexploded British naval shell from WWII, which struck the church in 1941 without detonating, is displayed inside as a reminder of the city's wartime history.
The treasury museum houses an eclectic collection including what's traditionally claimed to be the Sacro Catino, a green glass dish associated with legends of the Holy Grail, along with reliquaries tied to John the Baptist.
It's a relatively quick stop compared to Genoa's grander palaces, but the WWII shell and treasury relics give it more unusual talking points than most cathedral visits.
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Genoa FAQs
Yes, the main church is free; the treasury museum charges a small separate fee.
A British naval shell that struck the cathedral in 1941 during WWII bombardment but failed to detonate; it's preserved on display.
Relics including a green glass dish traditionally linked to Holy Grail legends and items associated with John the Baptist.
About 20-30 minutes for the church, plus 15-20 more for the treasury if visited.
Yes, it's centrally located near Via Garibaldi and the old port area.
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