Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata del Vastato, Genoa

The word "vastato" derives from the Latin word "vastinium." It means a belt of land outside the walls razed for defensive purposes. The Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata del Vastato was built outside the city walls. Construction began by the Franciscans in 1520 on the previous site of the Church of Santa Maria del Prato.

Work was interrupted in 1537 and not resumed until 1591, when the Lomellini family continued the construction conducted by architect Taddeo Carlone. In the 17th century, Baroque decorations were added under the direction of painter Andrea Ansaldo. The present Neoclassicist facade, designed by Carlo Barabino, was added between 1830 and 1840.

The basilica is fronted with a Latin portico with a triangular roof supported by six ionic stone columns and two pilasters. Above the porch on the facade are two lunette windows, the smaller window above the larger one. Two bell towers flank the building's facade.

The church is laid out in a Latin cross and divided into three naves with two rows of lateral altars. The naves are separated by Corinthian columns with arches. The interior is like a 17th-century gallery of art. It is lavishly decorated with inlaid marble, gilded stucco, and frescoes by 23 local artists and 13 sculptors.