Genoa - Santa Maria di Castello

Between the 12th and 16th centuries a complex of churches and convents was built on Castello Hill in Genoa. The center is the Romanesque church of Santa Maria (12th century), with a Roman frieze in the main doorway. From the sacristy a three-storey cloister is open to the public; note the Loggia dell'Annunziazone on the first floor, with the fresco "The Annunciation of Our Lady", and the ceiling paintings. There is a museum of religious art.