The important Museum of Treasure is inside the Duomo, near the sacristy.

Set up in the suggestive underground enviroment, coated with the black stone of the Promontorio, and specifically thought up by the architect F. Albini in 1956, today it is considered one of the best examples of a modern museum with a good balance between conservative needs and the necessity of liturgical use.

The collection includes silver and jewel works of art from the 9th century to today, reliquaries, processional arks, crucifixes, vestments, jewels, and other sacred objects.

The Sacro Catino from the 9th century is of paticular historical and artistic relevance. It is made of green glass (once believed to be emerald), and was even identified with the Holy Grail when it was bought to Genoa by a Crusader.

The Ark of the Ashes of John the Baptist (15th century) made of gold covered silver is also very important, as is the Piatto di San Giovanni (1st century) which is believed to have held the head of the Saint (patron of Genoa) after he was beheaded.

It would also be worth looking at various documents relating to the history of the Cattedrale di S. Lorenzo, which include the papal bull of Pope Gelasio who consecrated the cathedral in 1118.

Opening hours

9a-noon, 3p-6p M-Sa

Prices Admission

To cathedral free. Treasury: 5.50€ ($6.90) adults, 4.50€ ($5.65) seniors older than 60 and students, 11€ ($14) family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children

Transportation

Bus: 1, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, or 20

Email: museicivici@comune.genova.it

Website: http://www.museosanlorenzo.it