Close-up of a votive shrine on the façade of an old building with a fresco of St Marie and two angels in adoration, Via San Vincenzo, Genoa, Italy

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The historic center of Genoa is dotted with votive shrine called "Madonnette", ancient tabernacles containing devotional images placed on the corners or facades of buildings. The origin of these small masterpieces is ancient and goes back to the twelfth century with the affirmation of the cult of the Madonna and when, in the Middle Ages, every road had to have its own sacred image to which to ask for protection.

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Size: 4253px × 2826px
Location: Genoa, Liguria, Italy
Photo credit: © Simona Abbondio / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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