Romulus of Genoa

Saint Romulus of Genoa, also known as Remo, was born in Italy, though the place and year of his birth are not known. He is remembered as one of the earliest bishops of Genoa, serving in the Church’s formative centuries when Christian communities along the Ligurian coast were still taking root. Tradition tells that Romulus eventually fled Genoa and never returned, embracing a life of solitude and prayer. He withdrew to a cave near Villa Matutiae on the Italian Riviera, where he lived as a hermit and where he died. The town that sheltered his hidden holiness later came to bear his name, remembered for centuries as San Remo and today as Sanremo. In time, devotion to Romulus spread, and in 876 his relics were brought back to Genoa and enshrined at the church of San Siro, where a new building was later consecrated. Invoked as a defender of Villa Matutiae in times of attack, he is often shown as a bishop with a sword, signifying courageous protection. Saint Romulus is honored as patron of Sanremo. His feast day is October 13.