The Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato is a Catholic church located in the city of Genoa, Italy. It is one of the most important Baroque-style churches in the city and is situated in the Piazza della Annunziata.
The church was built in the early 17th century on the site of an older church that was dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. The new church was designed by the architect Bartolomeo Bianco and construction began in 1607. However, due to various setbacks and difficulties, it was not completed until 1681.
The façade of the church is characterized by its intricate Baroque-style decoration, which includes various sculptures, columns, and reliefs. The interior is also richly decorated with frescoes, paintings, and sculptures by notable artists such as Giovanni Battista Carlone, Bernardo Strozzi, and Domenico Piola.
One of the highlights of the church is the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, which was built in the 17th century to house a piece of cloth that was believed to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ. The cloth was later proven to be a medieval forgery, but the chapel remains an important pilgrimage site for Catholics.
The Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato is a popular tourist destination in Genoa and is also used for concerts and other cultural events.