BASILICA DELLA SANTISSIMA ANNUNZIATA DEL VASTATO
Church built in 1520 resembling a Greek temple in Genoa.
Built in 1520 by the Franciscans, this church, which outwardly resembles a Greek temple (all in white with its 19th-century pronaos and two symmetrical campaniles!) is a pure marvel of Baroque architecture. It's a fine example of Genoa's late 17th-century Mannerism. Inside, you won't believe your eyes! The dimensions are monumental and the decor is sumptuous! The columns alternate between French red and Carrara white marble. As for the gilding, stuccowork fills the vault and dome, which are also enhanced by frescoes (some by Bernardo Strozzi, a contemporary of Caravaggio). The iconography of the dome is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The use of trompe-l'œil confirms the desire of Counter-Reformation advocates to exalt gestures and feelings. In the left transept, the chapel dedicated to Saint Pascal is particularly noteworthy. Here, a carved and painted wooden ensemble depicting the saint in adoration before the Eucharist is strikingly realistic (remember to put €1 in the light box to admire it better). In 1942, the church was largely destroyed by bombing. It was rebuilt identically, and has been under restoration for the last ten years. Today, it stands at a major crossroads in Genoa's historic center, not far from the palaces (Via Balbi and Via Garibaldi) and the Porta dei Vacca.
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