Unlike many historic buildings in Genoa the Cathedral can be admired in its full splendor thanks to the open piazza in front of it, in the traditional heart of the city. Guarded by two majestic lions the black and white striped gothic façade presents an intricate array of beautifully detailed craftsmanship. It was consecrated in 1118 but excavations have revealed that there was probably a Roman chapel on the site before. The building was partly renovated after a fire in 1296 which helped preserve some of the Romanesque structures and frescoes. The present structure was finished in the 17th century. Tourists are often surprised to find an unexploded WWII bomb inside: in 1941 the British fired a shell which failed to detonate and it is still there, reminding visitors whose side God was on! The cathedral Treasure Museum (see Museums and galleries) boasts one of the many versions of the Holy Grail, apparently brought to Genoa by Guglielmo Embriaco from the Holy Land after the crusades. Believe what you want but it is certainly worth a visit. Sunday Mass at 09:00, 10:30 and 18:30