Santa Maria di Castello Tours

Santa Maria di Castello
Santa Maria di Castello showing art, a church or cathedral and heritage elements
Santa Maria di Castello
Santa Maria di Castello
Santa Maria di Castello


Inside this beautiful religious construction in Genoa are exquisite artworks commissioned by some of the most significant noble families of the city.

Santa Maria di Castello church is part of an impressive complex that also includes a convent and a museum. Discover a site with great historic, artistic and architectural importance and marvel at one of the oldest structures in Genoa.

The church is a Romanesque-style construction built on the site of the city's first urban settlement. It was entrusted to the Dominican Catholic religious order in 1442 and became a meeting point for humanists and writers. Take some photos of the site and make sure you wander inside to see some of its valuable artworks.

The complex has spectacular art pieces commissioned by important noble families of Genoa. The cloister houses The Annunciation, a famous masterpiece painted by the German artist Giusto di Alemagna in 1451. See other creations by artists such as the Baroque Italian painters Francesco Boccaccino and Alessandro Gherardini, the Italian sculptor Francesco Maria Schiaffino and Pier-Francesco Sacchi, an Italian painter of the Renaissance period.

The five chapels on the left aisle of the church date back to the 15th century, while the five chapels on the right date back to the 16th century. Inside the chapels you’ll find exquisite artwork, such as the sculpture by the Italian artist Anton Maria Maragliano. Find the high altar and see the marble sculptures by Domenico Parodi, an Italian painter, sculptor and architect of the late-Baroque period. If you are lucky you may be able to take a free tour with the group Friends of the Church. They can guide you through places that are usually closed to the public, such as the sacristy, cloisters and the museum.

Find the Santa Maria di Castello complex near the subway stop Sant'Agostino. The church can be a bit difficult to locate, so practice your Italian and ask the locals for directions. Make sure you wander around the area to discover the remains of a bishop's fortified castle dating from the Middle Ages, and the tall and picturesque Embriaci Tower flanking the church.

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Bristol Palace Hotel
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Best Lodging Options Near Santa Maria di Castello

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria

4 out of 5
Piazza Brignole, 4, Genoa, GE
Hotel Astoria
Bristol Palace Hotel

Bristol Palace Hotel

5 out of 5
Via XX Settembre 35, Genoa, GE
Bristol Palace Hotel
Starhotels President

Starhotels President

4 out of 5
Corte Dei Lambruschini 4, Genoa, GE
Starhotels President
Hotel Continental Genova

Hotel Continental Genova

4 out of 5
Via Arsenale di Terra 1, Genoa, GE
Hotel Continental Genova
Best Western Plus City Hotel

Best Western Plus City Hotel

4 out of 5
Via San Sebastiano 6, Genoa, GE
Best Western Plus City Hotel
B&B HOTEL Genova Principe

B&B HOTEL Genova Principe

3 out of 5
Piazza Acquaverde, 1, Genoa, GE
B&B HOTEL Genova Principe
Melia Genova

Melia Genova

5 out of 5
Via Corsica, 4, Genoa, GE
Melia Genova
Best Western Hotel Porto Antico

Best Western Hotel Porto Antico

3 out of 5
Via al Ponte Calvi, 5, Genoa, GE
Best Western Hotel Porto Antico
Best Western Hotel Metropoli

Best Western Hotel Metropoli

3 out of 5
P.zza Fontane Marose, Genoa, GE
Best Western Hotel Metropoli
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Santa Maria di Castello

During your visit to Santa Maria di Castello in Genoa, immerse yourself in the vibrant Catalan cuisine, which showcases delicious seafood and traditional dishes. Explore the picturesque streets adorned with historical architecture and enjoy the local festivities that celebrate the area's rich culture and heritage. Don't miss the chance to savor the culinary delights while engaging with welcoming locals, making your trip a memorable experience filled with authentic flavors and warm hospitality.

Food and drinks

Cala Torcida, located 15 miles away, offers a romantic atmosphere perfect for food lovers. Bagni Paregua and Bagni Maddalena, both 12 miles away, also provide delightful dining experiences in a charming setting. Don’t miss Ristorante Salgari in the Castello district for authentic local flavors.

Shopping

Located 0.6 miles from Santa Maria di Castello, Mercato Orientale Genova offers a vibrant local market experience with a variety of fresh produce and goods. For a larger shopping experience, Fiumara Shopping & Fun is just 2 miles away, featuring family-friendly entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Luigi Ferraris Stadium, just a mile away, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For ultimate relaxation, head to Terme di Genova, located 9 miles away, where you can indulge in soothing treatments. Enjoy outdoor activities at Golf Tennis Club Pineta Di Arenzano, 12 miles away, surrounded by nature.

Adventure

Piscina di Pra offers a thrilling adventure with its beautiful swimming pools and scenic coastal views. Located 7 miles from Santa Maria di Castello, it’s perfect for a day of relaxation and fun in the sun, featuring various water activities for all ages.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Santa Maria di Castello! Enjoy breathtaking views on the Bigo Lift, just 0.2 miles away, or immerse yourself in culture at Teatro della Gioventu, 0.7 miles away. For a romantic evening, visit Delfino Blu, a cozy pub located 13 miles from the heart of the area.

Find the best attractions near Santa Maria di Castello

Santa Maria di Castello offers a blend of culture and outdoor experiences, perfect for travelers seeking to explore beautiful beaches, historic churches, and grand palaces. Notable points of interest include the stunning Santa Maria Maggiore and the majestic Pantheon in Rome. For those looking for even more adventure, consider day trips to Lake Garda and Barcelona's churches, or a visit to the enchanting Castello di Spaltenna nearby.

  • Piazza de Ferrari: This vibrant square is the heart of Genoa, surrounded by stunning architecture and bustling city life. Enjoy the impressive fountain and relax at nearby cafes while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
  • Palazzo Ducale: A historical gem, this grand palace offers a glimpse into Genoa's rich past. Explore its beautiful halls and art exhibitions, and feel the cultural pulse that has shaped the city over centuries.
  • Cattedrale di San Lorenzo: This magnificent cathedral, with its striking black and white stripes, showcases stunning Gothic architecture. Step inside to admire its beautiful artworks and serene ambiance, a perfect spot for reflection.

Best time to go to Santa Maria di Castello

The best time to visit Santa Maria di Castello is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of July, visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowModerately Low
February43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowModerately Low
March48.9°F (9.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighModerately High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainSunnyHighAverage
August74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainSunnyHighModerately High
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately High
October59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
December44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Maria di Castello

Visiting Santa Maria di Castello can be budget-friendly with free entry to the site and nearby attractions like Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and La Lanterna. To save on accommodations, consider traveling in January, February, or November when hotel prices dip. Booking a month in advance or checking Expedia for last-minute deals can yield discounts. Use filters to find eco-friendly hotels within your budget, and consider package deals for flights and activities. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can unlock additional savings and exclusive offers for your stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Santa Maria di Castello is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Santa Maria di Castello are January to February and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June and August to September, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Santa Maria di Castello is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Santa Maria di Castello with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.