Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Church · Monterosso al Mare, Ligúria
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
Gothic church of Monterosso's old town, built between 1282 and 1307, with a façade of white and black stripes and a marble rose window.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
The church of São João Batista is the center of the borgo antico, the medieval part of Monterosso, east of the morro dos Cappuccini. Construction began in 1282 and finished in 1307. The façade has the typical Gênova cladding in white and black stripes, and a finely worked rose window; above the portal, a fresco depicts the Baptism of Christ.
The bell tower is an old medieval tower with battlements, with a square base. Inside, the church has three naves. Around it are the oratories of Santa Maria di Porto Salvo and Santa Croce, the latter dating from the 16th century.
The walk through the old town is as worthwhile as the church: narrow alleys, the carruggi, descend to the sea between tall, colorful houses, with restaurants, lemon shops and anchovy shops, a regional specialty. The small central beach lies at the end of those streets.
It is a church in active use. To enter, shoulders and knees must be covered, and silence is required during Masses.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 minutes in the church; one hour to stroll around the old town.
Best time
In the morning, before the influx of visitors arriving by train and boat. Avoid Mass times if you want to see the interior calmly.
How to get there
From Monterosso station, follow the seafront promenade and pass through the tunnel to the old town; the church is a few minutes away, in the lower part of the borgo.
Tip
Notice the striped façade and the tower with battlements, an old defensive tower. Then, climb the street behind the church up to the Torre Aurora, which overlooks both parts of the village.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
How old is the church?
The building dates from 1282 to 1307, in the Gothic style.
Do you need appropriate clothing to enter?
Yes. Shoulders and knees covered, as in most Italian churches.
Is there an admission fee?
No. It is a parish church and entry is free. Respect the mass times.
What else to see in Monterosso's historic center?
The nearby oratories, the narrow streets that descend to the sea, and the Torre Aurora on the hill between the center and Fegina.