The Church of the Gesù

The Church of Gesù è one of Genoa’s most important churches, located in the heart of the city’s historic center, just a short walk from Piazza de Ferrari. The church was founded in the 16th century by the Society of Gesù, a congregation of religious founded by Ignatius of Loyola, and was designed by Genoese architect Giuseppe Valeriano. The façade of the church è of Baroque style and features a large portal, decorated with statues of angels and saints. The interior of the Church of the Gesù è has a single nave, with a series of side chapels housing numerous works of art. Most notable among these are the Baptism of Jesus by Giovanni Battista Carlone, Anton Maria Maragliano’s St. Francis Xavier and Filippo Parodi’s Lamentation Over the Dead Christ. In the center of the church is the high altar, which houses a large canvas depicting the Adoration of the Shepherds by Genoese painter Bernardo Strozzi. Over the high altar is a dome decorated with frescoes, created by Domenico Piola. The Church of the Gesù in Genoa houses numerous valuable works of art, including some by Guido Reni and Peter Paul Rubens.Of the works by Guido Reni in the church, the San Sebastiano stands out, a large canvas depicting the martyred saint, struck by arrows, but maintaining an expression of serenity and devotion. The canvas è is characterized by a strong contrast between shadows and lights, and great attention to anatomical details.The other work by Guido Reni present in the Church of Gesù in Genoa è is the canvas depicting the Madonna and Child with St. Francis Xavier. This work shows the Madonna and Child in the arms of St. Francis Xavier, pointing to heaven with one finger, symbolizing his mission of evangelization.The church also houses a large canvas by Peter Paul Rubens, depicting the Conversion of St. Paul. The large canvas depicts the moment when St. Paul, before becoming an apostle, is struck by divine light and falls from his horse. The scene è rendered with great intensity à and dynamism, and is distinguished by the skillful use of color and light.The works of Guido Reni and Peter Paul Rubens represent some of the greatest artistic treasures of the Church of Gesù in Genoa, and constitute a unique opportunity to admire some of the most important works of 17th-century European painting. The Church of the Gesù è is also famous for its pipe organ, one of the largest and most important in the city, which is regularly used for concerts of sacred music. The church is strategically located within walking distance of Genoa’s historic center and the city’s main tourist attractions, such as the Ducal Palace and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. In summary, the Church of Gesù represents an important example of Baroque architecture in Genoa, and is a place of great spirituality and devotion, but also of great beauty and artistic charm.