Jesuit church of Santi Ambrogio e Andreaw

Church in Genova

Jesuit Church Of Santi Ambrogio E Andreaw
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Davide Papalini

The Church of Jesus and the Saints Ambrogio and Andrea stands as a representation of Baroque architecture in Genoa, situated within Piazza Matteotti, in close proximity to the Palazzo Ducale and Piazza De Ferrari.

Originally under the jurisdiction of the Jesuits from the 16th century, this church houses artistic creations by renowned figures such as the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens, the Italian artist Guido Reni, and other prominent contributors to the Genoese Baroque movement.

Historical Overview of the Jesuit church of Santi Ambrogio e Andreaw

The early roots of this church trace back to the 6th century when the Milanese clergy sought refuge in Genoa due to the Lombard persecutions. The control of Milanese bishops over Genoa persisted until the mid-7th century, marked by the return of Bishop Giovanni Bono (John the Good) to Milan.

Around 1522, the Jesuits took charge of the pre-existing church. Subsequently, in 1589, the Jesuits undertook the reconstruction of the church in its present configuration under the guidance of architect Giuseppe Valeriano.

During the latter half of the 19th century, the church’s facade underwent complete reconstruction. This endeavor, completed in 1894, introduced a new facade featuring statues of Sant’Ambrogio and Sant’Andrea, sculpted by Michele Ramognino.

Artistic Highlights in Jesuit church of Santi Ambrogio e Andreaw

The interior of the church boasts frescoes within the central nave and dome, crafted by the painter Giovanni Carlone and his sibling Giovanni Battista Carlone.

The main altar showcases remarkable artworks, including the painting “Circumcision” by Peter Paul Rubens from 1608, “Massacre of the Innocents” by Giovanni Battista Merano, and “Flight into Egypt” by Domenico Piola. The columns are adorned with statues of Saints Peter and Paul, sculpted by Giuseppe Carlone.

The first chapel on the right aisle displays a fresco by Giuseppe Galeotti and a painting by Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari. In niches, statues of Saint Carlo Borromeo and Sant’Ambrogio created by Giovanni Domenico Casella can be found.

The second chapel features a fresco by Lorenzo De Ferrari and a canvas portraying the Crucifixion, painted by Simon Vouet. Beneath the altar, a nativity scene carved by Tommaso Orsolino is situated.

Within the grand arch of the third chapel, visitors can admire frescoes by painter Lorenzo De Ferrari and a canvas by Guido Reni depicting the Assumption.

The Jesuit church of Santi Ambrogio e Andreaw appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Genova!

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Visiting Jesuit church of Santi Ambrogio e Andreaw

Address: Chiesa del Gesù e dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea, Via di Porta Soprana, Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy
Duration: 20 minutes

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