Church of Santa Maria della Catena

It is the chain (in Italian, "la catena") with which the city's ancient harbour was closed that gave it its name. The church, built in the early 16th century, is a superb example of Gothic-Catalan style interwoven with some Renaissance elements. Some attribute the design to the architect Matteo Carnelivari, who was active at the end of the 15th century. It stands on a high staircase, preceded by a portico with three lowered arches, under which there are three portals with bas-reliefs by Vincenzo Gagini; on the left side, with single lancet windows and pillars, we can see a doorway by the same artist. The three interior naves are divided by slender Renaissance columns, the central nave has ribbed vaults, the side ones barrel vaults; in the chapels, there are reliefs and statues of the Gaginesque school.