One of the most picturesque corners of Genoa today is what was once the D’Oria, or Doria, district, which belonged to one among the most powerful families in the city.
In fact, Admiral Andrea Doria entered into an alliance with Charles V of Spain, thereby obtaining the restoration of the Republic of Genoa and starting what was to become an extremely fruitful co-operation between Genoa and the Spanish Empire.
Once a private, aristocratic chapel, the church of San Matteo dominates over the square. To date, the Doria family, who still own the building, have a saying in the appointment of the Abbot.
Exactly like Saint Matthew, the Dorias were tax collectors by profession, hence the choice of Saint Matthew as their patron saint.
Except for a few alterations made over the centuries, the present-day look of this small square - featuring black and white marble stripes - is still the same as it was in the 13th and 15th centuries.
The slope that once characterised the square was modified when large steps were built to raise the parvis, which is surrounded by the Doria family’s aristocratic mansions.
Most interesting from the architectural point of view are the Lamba Doria building – standing directly opposite the church – and the building that the Senate of the Republic of Genoa presented to Andrea Doria - Admiral of the Empire and ‘Father of the Country’- in 1528. Usually quiet during the daytime, this square usually fills with sounds and music on summer evenings.
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