Chiesa di S.Luca

The church was built in 1188 as the family chapel of the Spinola and Grimaldi families. It stands on the lively Via S.Luca. This was the main western point of entry to the city in the fourteenth century. The church... More »

The church was built in 1188 as the family chapel of the Spinola and Grimaldi families. It stands on the lively Via S.Luca. This was the main western point of entry to the city in the fourteenth century. The church's importance and its strategic position has been emphasised by the fact that the dispute between the two rival families for the exclusive control of the building had to be settled by the King of Aragon in the middle of the fourteenth century. The church was rebuilt in its present form between 1626 and 1650. It was a project of Carlo Mutone. One of the few pure Baroque style churches in the city, it is decorated with a single series of frescoes by D.Piola which date back to the end of the seventeenth century. It contains a valuable wooden Christ figure by F.Parodi which was painted by D.Piola. There are other works of art including an important piece by Grechetto of a creche. The parish has started a nice new initiative which aims to help people to get to know the old city. As well as the normal church services, it now celebrates a special "Tourist and City visitor Mass".