[2] Situated outside of the Carolingian-era walls, in what is now the heart of the historical center, a short distance from the cathedral of San Siro, the basilica is considered the most ancient shrine to the Virgin Mary in Genoa.

A chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary had been built in this place by the 6th century, as a response to a Marian apparition to Argenta of the Grillo family [it].

[3][4] On the site of this first sacred building, shortly before the year 1000, a church was built, named Santa Maria delle Vigne because it was located in the center of an area containing vineyards.

[12] A town arose around the church in the 12th century, and was incorporated together with San Siro in the urban fabric of a city which was growing and now extended outside its early Carolingian walls.

[13][8] These renovations included the opening of three semicircular windows and an overhaul of the naves, with the replacement of the columns and the construction of the cupola, and were entrusted to the architect Daniele Casella [it].

[10][8] With the transformation of the interior in Baroque style, the chapels and side altars were also enriched with paintings and sculptures by the confraternities and noble families.

[2] On April 16, 1815, while taking refuge in Genoa during Napoleon's Hundred Days, Pope Pius VII visited the church and celebrated Mass there.