PIAZZA SAN MATTEO
A corner of the city where time seems to have stopped, in the shadow of the palaces of the Doria family and the church of San Matteo.
A unique example of medieval town planning, virtually unchanged since 1278. A Doria stronghold since the 12thcentury , Piazza San Matteo is representative of the power of this great family. It was here, in 1528, that Andrea Doria announced to his fellow citizens the transformation of the Genoese government into an oligarchy. This marked the beginning of the Golden Age of the Superb.
Characterized by black and white two-tone bands, the family's mansions surround three sides of the square. Atno. 17 , the Palazzo Andrea Doria, donated by the city's Senate to the famous condottiere in 1528; atno. 15 , the Palazzo Lamba Doria, also donated by the city of Genoa to the admiral who won the battle of Curzola against Venice in 1298; the Palazzo Gnecco Quartara can be recognized by its remarkable carved door lintel depicting Saint George and the dragon (1457), one of the city's most beautiful portals.
To the north, the church of San Matteo closes the square. Erected in 1125 and later the Doria family chapel, its crypt contains the remains of Andrea Doria. On the façade, the family obtained the privilege of having its history and glorious military successes inscribed on the two-tone slabs. Above the entrance portal, a lunette with the effigy of St. Matthew is the only evidence of mosaics preserved in Genoa. The rich interior decoration of marble, stucco and frescoes dates from the 16th century. Commissioned by Andrea Doria, it was created by the great artists of the time.
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