Extraordinary Churches in Italy

History, Art, and Architecture Create Exquisite Churches

Nov 11, 2009

Churches throughout Italy provide a view into the history of religion, and its influence on art and architecture.

Most travelers to Italy visit at least one church, and some of the most popular are Santa Maria del Fiore (Il Duomo) in Florence, Duomo di Milano, Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter's Basilica) in Rome, and Basilica di San Marco in Venice. While all of these are a “must see,” consider visiting at least one other extraordinary church.

Basilica Santa Croce

Florence’s exquisite Gothic church, Basilica Santa Croce, dates to 1294, and is the largest Franciscan church in the world. Much of its artwork is by Renaissance artist Giotto and his school of art; and the church houses the magnificent tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini; and a monument to Dante. Attached to the church is a domed chapel, designed by famed architect Filippo Brunelleschi.

Santa Maria Maggiore

In Rome, the exquisite Santa Maria Maggiore, a Papal Basilica, was first built in the mid-350s on Esquiline Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the building was designed to fit the rectangular outline of a miraculous snowfall in August. In commemoration, each year on August 5th—on the Feast of Our Lady of Snows—white petals swirl down from the dome of the church, signifying the snow that fell on the hill.

In 430, the church was restored, and has been renovated several times by various popes. Santa Maria Maggiore is known for its beautiful mosaic façade, interior artwork and mosaics, the tallest bell tower in Rome, numerous chapels, and what is said to be the Holy Crib of Jesus.

Basilica San Clemente

Another extraordinary church in Rome is Basilica San Clemente, a church built on three levels—one above the other—and dating back to the first century. Once a pagan temple, excavations in 1857 revealed the older buildings, which are open to view; and it’s noted that charred remains are from the 64 A.D. fire that had Nero playing his fiddle. The artwork in Basilica San Clemente includes frescos; mosaics, among them the apse mosaic Tree of Life; carvings; columns; arches; and high ceilings.

Duomo Santa Maria Assunta

While many visit Pisa to view the Leaning Tower, right next to the bell tower is the Duomo Santa Maria Assunta; and well worth a visit. The church began construction in 1063, was completed in the thirteenth century, and restored in the early seventeenth century after a fire partially destroyed the building.

The linear two-tone exterior with four stories of columns is a striking contrast to the elaborate artwork of the interior, which includes paintings, carvings, mosaics, adorned tombs, arched columns, decorative ceilings, and an ornate pulpit.

Chiesa di Santa Croce

Lecce, in Puglia, is known for its baroque architecture and called the “Pink City” for the hue emitted from the local limestone used in much of its buildings. That includes the Chiesa di Santa Croce—which can be admired from outside—for its gorgeous façade embellished with figures, gargoyles, animals, vegetables, decorative scrolls, and patterned columns. In the top center of the building, a rose window is surrounded with flowers and crowned with an elaborately carved pediment.

Duomo di Monreale

In Sicily, the Duomo di Palermo should not be missed, but just a few miles south is Duomo di Monreale, with its spectacular mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Construction began in 1174, and the exterior shows the influence of Norman, Moorish, and Byzantine architecture. The detailed artwork of the interior is astounding—large columns support peaked arches covered with glass mosaics, as is the nave and apse. The inlaid floor is set with mosaics in the style of Cosmati—a geometric cutwork design.

Visiting Italy’s Churches

With hundreds of churches in every region, these are just a few of the extraordinary churches in Italy. A few things to keep in mind when visiting any church: Check the hours the churches are open, inquire about entrance fees, ask about taking interior photographs, and be sure to dress appropriately—this usually means covering shoulders and not wearing shorts.

The copyright of the article Extraordinary Churches in Italy in W Europe Travel is owned by Janice Therese Mancuso. Permission to republish Extraordinary Churches in Italy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.