Torri di San Lorenzo

The towers of Genoa's Cathedral of San Lorenzo contain a series of spaces above the church's nave, including the Tribuna del Doge, the bell chamber and a loggia overlooking the city. Their architecture brings together medieval and Renaissance phases of the cathedral complex.

Why it matters

The elevated spaces reveal parts of the cathedral that are not visible from the nave. From the Tribuna del Doge, the church's three aisles open below; the bell chamber preserves the mechanisms associated with the cathedral's seven bells; and the loggia frames the historic centre and harbour.

What to notice

The tower sequence includes the Tribuna del Doge above the nave and the Sala dei seminaristi, where the bells are commanded. The route continues to the cardinals' loggia above the roofline. The seven bells differ in age and foundry. Together, these spaces show how the cathedral's towers served devotional, civic and ceremonial roles.

Context and history

The cathedral's bell tower was completed in 1522 by Pietro Carlone da Osteno and rises about sixty metres. The north-east tower carries a loggia associated with Giovanni da Gandria. A further Mannerist loggia was added in 1522. The Tribuna del Doge takes its name from its position overlooking the nave.