LucadeaLuca is the creator of this site. He travels the world for work and loves taking photographs and sharing them with all his visitors.

San Matteo Square in historic Genoa.
Among the narrow streets of Genoa’s historic center, I wanted to capture with my camera one of the city’s most elegant and intimate corners, a small square where architecture and history create a unique atmosphere. San Matteo Square in Genoa is one of the places worth seeing for anyone who wants to discover a quieter side of the city, where historic buildings and medieval details are gathered in a compact but remarkable space.
Walking through this area of Genoa, Liguria, Italy, just a short distance from Ferrari Square, the atmosphere changes completely compared with the busier streets nearby. The square feels more enclosed and peaceful, surrounded by noble buildings and dominated by the presence of San Matteo Abbey, with its characteristic black and white striped stone facade typical of Ligurian architecture. This combination between a small urban space and a great historical importance is what immediately caught my attention.
I photographed San Matteo Square because it is one of those places where every element contributes to the final composition. The church, the noble palaces and the shape of the square create a balanced view that tells much more than a simple architectural scene. Through this image, I tried to capture not only the buildings themselves but also the relationship between them and the history they represent.
Among the buildings surrounding the square are Lamba Doria Palace, Gnecco Quartara Palace, Domenicaccio Doria Palace and Branca Doria Palace. These historic residences are connected with important Genoese families, especially the Doria family, which played a central role in the political and commercial history of the Republic of Genoa.
A small historical detail concerns San Matteo Abbey itself: founded in the 12th century as the private church of the Doria family, it still preserves architectural and decorative elements that reflect the prestige of this important Genoese family. The square developed around this religious and noble presence, becoming one of the most characteristic places in the old city.
This photograph reflects my way of exploring Genoa through places that do not need to be large or famous to leave a strong impression. As in other photographs I have shared from the historic streets and squares of Genoa, I enjoy looking for the connection between stone, architecture and everyday life.
If you are visiting Genoa and looking for places worth seeing beyond the most famous landmarks, San Matteo Square offers a chance to discover a more intimate side of the city. It is a place where slowing down and observing the details can reveal centuries of history.

Which detail of this square would catch your attention first? Add a comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and Canon EF-S 10-18 lens.

There’s also a great official website: parrocchiasanmatteo.org.

Here’s where the square is located:

Martino Doria, who entered the Benedictine friars of the Abbey of San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte after becoming a widower, obtained permission from Bishop Sigifredo to build a small church on family-owned land near the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The dedication of the new church to San Matteo was linked to his profession as a tax collector, just like the Dorias, who therefore made him their patron saint.
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