Polished, twisted and fluted columns, striped arches and chequerboard panels, crisply carved foliage and inlaid flowers; the variety of the decoration suggests a master stone mason keen to display all the possibilities of his craft. This is the facade of Genoa’s St Lorenzo Cathedral. From a distance the building looks simply striped in black and white marble like so many Italian churches. Close up the subtle colours and extraordinary detail are simply beautiful.
In close up the stonework looks remarkably modern. It was completed in 1312.
Click on any photo for a closer view.
A post for Thursday Doors.
Beyond the Window Box 
October 18, 2018 at 8:34 am
Genoa’s been in my ‘must visit’ list for a while. You’ve moved it up a notch.
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October 18, 2018 at 9:26 am
My brief visit gave me a glimpse of a fascinating city. It’s certainly on my list for a return visit.
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October 18, 2018 at 11:52 pm
Looks like a Moorish influence, doesn’t it? Interesting.
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October 19, 2018 at 8:23 am
Your comment encouraged me to read a bit more about 14th century Genoa. Apparently about the time the cathedral facade was built Genovese merchants had trading colonies established in North Africa and extensive links with the Byzantine empire. It wouldn’t be surprising if they brought back ideas to enhance their home cathedral.
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October 19, 2018 at 9:35 am
Fascinating, hope to visit one day. So many connections in the world, and influences across the centuries
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October 19, 2018 at 2:45 pm
There’s so much to explore, in the cathedral and in the wider city.
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October 20, 2018 at 2:50 am
Fabulous.
janet
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October 21, 2018 at 12:16 pm
Oh my, this is just gorgeous. ❤
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