“Imagine a church dressed in stripes.” That is San Matteo. San Matteo stands as a testament to faith and art in Italy. Founded in 1125 by Martino Doria, San Matteo began as a private chapel for his family.
In 1278, San Matteo underwent a complete transformation, embracing the Gothic style. Centuries later, in the mid-16th century, Andrea Doria commissioned Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli to renovate San Matteo. Montorsoli reshaped the presbytery and added the dome. Further renovations occurred between 1557 and 1559. Giovanni Battista Castello designed the nave and aisles, while Luca Cambiaso added his artistic touch through decorations.
The exterior of San Matteo is striking. Its facade features white marble and black slate stripes. These stripes are divided into three sections by false columns. Lombard bands adorn these columns. A large rose window graces the center of the facade. Double mullioned windows flank the sides of San Matteo. A late Roman sarcophagus adds an intriguing detail. It depicts an Allegory of Autumn and once served as the tomb of Lamba Doria. Lamba Doria brought it to Genoa from Korčula in Dalmatia. Chains captured from Pisa after the Battle of Meloria in 1284 once adorned the facade. However, they were returned to Pisa in the 19th century.
To the left of San Matteo, the cloister of St. Matthew offers a peaceful retreat. Dating back to 1308, it features a quadrangular plan. Ogival arches rest on double small columns.
Inside San Matteo, artworks abound. Admire Luca Cambiaso’s “Miracle of the Ethiopian Dragon” and Giovanni Battista Castello’s “Vocation of St. Matthew”. A wooden “Deposition” by Anton Maria Maragliano is a highlight. The tomb of Andrea Doria, crafted by Montorsoli, resides in the crypt. The high altar showcases a “Holy Family with St. Anne” by Bernardo Castello. Legend claims the sword under the altar belonged to Andrea Doria. Pope Paul III supposedly donated it to San Matteo. The church boasts an original organ built by Antonio Alari in 1773.
San Matteo is more than just a church. It is a repository of history, art, and faith. Its striped facade and rich interior tell a story of devotion. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and history within these walls.