Built on a small 5th century church of Lombard origin and dedicated to St Michael the Archangel, the present Church (Abbey) of Santo Stefano is an extraordinary example of Romanesque architecture in Genoa. Its long history, which began around 972 at the behest of Bishop Theodulf, has traversed the centuries, changing its original physiognomy, to come down to us wrapped in reality, mysteries and legends, telling us a portion of this city.
Arriving from Via XX Settembre, the Abbey of Santo Stefano is impossible not to notice: it dominates from above, preceding the majestic Monumental Bridge, in a version that immediately draws attention. Its 'one-armed' right aisle bears witness to the process of urban redevelopment desired in the 19th century, which led to the construction of the Via Giulia, today's Via XX Settembre, delivering a completely unique and authentic church. Originally built with a single nave, with a raised presbytery to probably preserve the oldest part of the building, over the years the octagonal dome was added, as well as the left aisle and later the right aisle, which was later demolished. The bell tower probably predates the rest of the architectural complex, initially serving as a watchtower.
An epigraph on the baptismal font testifies to the baptism of Christopher Columbus, according to which it took place in this church.
Inside, works of a certain artistic prestige from the Mannerist Baroque period can be admired, such as the Martyrdom of St. Stephen by Giuliano Romano and the Martyrdom of St. Bartholomew by Giulio Cesare Procaccini or the Resurrection by Giovan Battista Baiardo.
Since 2004, the liturgical rites of the Catholic Church of the Byzantine-Ukrainian rite have been officiated on feast days.