The Unexploded Bomb of San Lorenzo Cathedral
Visit San Lorenzo Cathedral to see the British shell that smashed through the roof in 1941 but failed to explode.
On February 9, 1941, the British fleet bombarded Genoa (Operation Grog). A 381mm armor-piercing shell was fired at the city.
The Impact
The shell smashed through the roof of the San Lorenzo Cathedral while it was full of people. It hit the floor... and didn't explode.
The Replica
Today, right at the beginning of the right nave, you can touch an exact replica of that shell (the original was disposed of at sea).
- Inscription: "This bomb, launched by the English fleet... burst through the walls of this temple... and fell unexploded here through the intercession of Mary."
It is a chilling reminder of the war and a beloved symbol of divine protection for the locals.
Om författaren
War Historian
Vi brinner för Italiens underskattade städer. Denna guide hjälper besökare att låsa upp Genuas hemligheter, navigera dess vertikala landskap med lätthet och komfort.
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