Syrus of Genoa

Who was Syrus of Genoa?

Saint Syrus of Genoa was a priest and later bishop of Genoa during the fourth century AD.

Born at Struppa, he had a reputation for holiness and zeal. He died at an advanced age of natural causes and was buried in the city. He is the main patron of the city of Genoa.

One tradition states that he succeeded St. Romulo, another that he was succeeded by him. St. Lawrence Cathedral, founded probably in the 5th or 6th century AD, was originally dedicated to Syrus. Later a church devoted to the Twelve Apostles was built, which was in turn flanked and replaced by a new cathedral dedicated to St. Lawrence martyr, in Romanesque style.