Commenda di San Giovanni di Prè
A medieval complex housing the National Museum of Italian Emigration, blending ancient architecture with poignant stories of journeys.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Commenda di San Giovanni di Prè
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A medieval complex housing the National Museum of Italian Emigration, blending ancient architecture with poignant stories of journeys.
"A small jewel in the heart of Genova, evoking a profound history of pilgrims and crusaders."
🧥 Dress for the Climate
The interior can be cool and humid, so layers are recommended for comfort.
🎟️ Ticket Information
Standard admission is €7, with reduced rates available. Check for special event pricing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
National Museum of Italian Emigration
Inside the Commenda
An interactive journey through Italy's emigration history with 16 rooms and over 200 stories.
Romanesque Bell Tower
Exterior
An imposing, austere bell tower with typical Genoese Romanesque forms and elegant spires.
Upper and Lower Churches
Within the complex
Impressive interior spaces of two superimposed churches, evoking profound history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Medieval Marvels & Modern Stories
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress for the Climate
The interior can be cool and humid, so layers are recommended for comfort.
🎟️ Ticket Information
Standard admission is €7, with reduced rates available. Check for special event pricing.
🚶♂️ Explore the History
The museum offers an interactive look at Italian emigration, with many multimedia stations.
📸 Architectural Gem
Admire the well-preserved Romanesque architecture, especially the bell tower and churches.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress for the Climate
The interior can be cool and humid, so layers are recommended for comfort.
🎟️ Ticket Information
Standard admission is €7, with reduced rates available. Check for special event pricing.
🚶♂️ Explore the History
The museum offers an interactive look at Italian emigration, with many multimedia stations.
📸 Architectural Gem
Admire the well-preserved Romanesque architecture, especially the bell tower and churches.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Commenda for its impressive Romanesque architecture, particularly the bell tower and churches, and the insightful, interactive National Museum of Italian Emigration. It's considered a hidden gem offering a profound historical experience, though some note the interior can be cold and humid.
"Impressive interior spaces in both the upper and the lower churches."
DAVID SNYDER
"Good place for conferences and events in general, but too cold and humid inside."
Anna Lodeserto
"A small jewel in the heart of Genova."
Marco Candela
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Commenda is located in the Prè neighborhood, near the Genova Principe train station. It's easily accessible by public transport, with buses serving the area.
Parking in the Prè area can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transportation or consider parking further away and walking.
From the city center, you can take a local bus or a short train ride to Genova Principe station, then it's a short walk to the Commenda.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official museum website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
The standard admission fee is €7, with a reduced price of €5 available for certain visitors.
While not always explicitly stated, purchasing tickets online in advance is often a good strategy to save time, especially during peak seasons or for special events.
Information on accessibility can vary. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific facilities and access for visitors with mobility issues.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You'll find the National Museum of Italian Emigration spread across three floors and 16 areas, featuring interactive exhibits, historical images, and stories of emigration. 
Yes, the museum is designed to be interactive and engaging, with elements like a fun slide that can appeal to younger visitors.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits and appreciate the historical context.
Information on guided tours may vary. It's recommended to check the museum's schedule or inquire upon arrival for any available guided experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the exhibits. Always check for signage or ask staff.
The Romanesque bell tower, the exterior architecture, and the interior spaces of the churches offer great photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for unique features like the slide mentioned by visitors, which can add a fun element to the visit. It's a good opportunity to discuss themes of history, journeys, and different cultures in an accessible way. Consider preparing children with a brief overview of what they might see to enhance their understanding and engagement with the exhibits.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
The historical context of the Knights of Jerusalem adds another layer of intrigue. Understanding its role as a convent and hospital-hostel for pilgrims and crusaders provides a tangible link to the past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Commenda
The architecture reflects its historical purpose, featuring an austere bell tower with typical Genoese Romanesque characteristics, including pinnacles and triple lancet windows. The complex includes two superimposed churches, the upper one dedicated to St. John the Evangelist. The name 'Prè' itself, meaning 'meadows' in the local dialect, hints at the area's past as a farming village before its development as a strategic point for the Knights.
Today, the Commenda houses the National Museum of Italian Emigration (Museo Nazionale dell'Emigrazione Italiana - MEI). This transformation allows visitors to connect the historical significance of the site with a crucial aspect of Italian history: emigration. The museum uses interactive displays and archival materials to tell the stories of millions of Italians who left their homeland in search of new opportunities.
Experiencing the National Museum of Italian Emigration
Visitors can explore the diverse narratives of those who left Italy, from pre-unification times to more recent waves of migration. The museum is designed to be highly interactive, making it engaging for a wide range of visitors. One unique feature highlighted by visitors is a fun slide, adding an unexpected element to the historical exploration.
This approach aims to make the often-complex and emotional topic of emigration accessible and relatable, fostering a deeper understanding of the Italian diaspora and its impact. Travelers often describe the museum as a place of 'stories past and present,' emphasizing its relevance to contemporary issues of migration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit