San Bartolomeo degli Armeni church in Genoa

The photograph shows the Armenian Catholic church of San Bartolomeo degli Armeni in the Italian city of Genoa. One of the church’s altars is visible, with dark patterned stone columns, a large altarpiece, a small image in a gilded frame and candlesticks.

The church was founded in 1308 by Armenian monks who had escaped the Turkish invasions of southern Armenia. It became the spiritual centre of the Armenian community of Genoa and for centuries served as a place for preserving faith, culture and identity. Icons and works of art of Armenian origin are kept inside.