Basilica San Pietro Roma

These are just a few of the many beautiful churches in Italy. With its rich religious history and stunning architecture, Italy is a must-visit destination for any traveler interested in churches.

Italy is a country with a rich religious history, and its churches are some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring in the world. From the soaring Gothic cathedrals of the north to the ornate Baroque churches of the south, there is a church in Italy to suit every taste.

20 Famous Churches in Italy

Here is a list of 20 of the most famous churches in Italy, along with a brief description of each:

1. Basilica di San Pietro (Rome)

The largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-see for any visitor to Rome. The basilica is home to some of the most important works of art in the world, including Michelangelo’s Pietà.

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2. Duomo di Firenze (Florence)

Florence Cathedral, or Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy. The cathedral’s dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.

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Duomo di Firenze

3. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (Rome)

One of the four papal basilicas in Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore is a beautiful example of a Roman basilica. The basilica is home to some of the most important Marian shrines in the world.

4. Basilica di San Marco (Venice)

The Basilica of Saint Mark is the most famous church in Venice. The basilica is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture and is home to some of the most important religious relics in the world.

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Basilica di San Marco

5. Duomo di Milano (Milan)

Milan Cathedral is the largest church in Italy and the third largest in the world. The cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is home to some of the most important works of art in Italy.

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Duomo di Milano

6. Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi (Assisi)

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the world’s most important pilgrimage sites. The basilica is home to the tomb of Saint Francis of Assisi and is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.

Assisi

7. Basilica di Sant’Antonio da Padova (Padua)

The Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Italy. The basilica is home to the tomb of Saint Anthony of Padua and is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.

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Basilica Sant'Antonio

8. Cattedrale di Monreale (Monreale)

The Cathedral of Monreale is a beautiful example of Norman architecture. The cathedral is home to some of the world’s most important Byzantine mosaics.

9. Duomo di Siena (Siena)

Siena Cathedral is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral is home to some of the most important works of art in Italy, including the Duccio di Buoninsegna’s Maestà.

10. Basilica di Santo Stefano (Bologna)

The Basilica di Santo Stefano, also known as the “Sette Chiese” (Seven Churches), is a complex of eight interconnected churches in Bologna, Italy. It is considered one of the most unique and interesting religious sites in the city.

The complex has a long and complex history, with origins dating back to the 4th century AD. It was built on the site of a pagan temple dedicated to Isis, and some of the temple’s elements were incorporated into the Christian buildings.

The seven churches that make up the complex are:

  • Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro (Church of the Holy Sepulchre)
  • Chiesa di San Vitale e Agricola (Church of Saints Vitale and Agricola)
  • Chiesa della Santa Croce (Church of the Holy Cross)
  • Oratorio dei Quattro Coronati (Oratory of the Four Crowned Martyrs)
  • Chiesa del Santo Stefano (Church of Saint Stephen)
  • Chiostro dei Canonici (Cloister of the Canons)
  • Martyrium

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Piazza Santo Stefano Bologna

11. Chiesa del Gesù (Rome)

The Church of the Gesù is the mother church of the Society of Jesus. The church is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and is home to some of the most important works of art in Rome, including Caravaggio’s Calling of Saint Matthew.

12. Pantheon (Rome)

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple that was later converted into a church. The Pantheon is a beautiful example of Roman architecture and is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the world.

Pantheon

13. Sacro Convento di Assisi (Assisi)

The Sacro Convento di Assisi is a Franciscan monastery that is home to the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. The monastery is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world.

14. Basilica di San Clemente (Rome)

The , or Santa Maria del Fiore, is a multi-layered church that was built on top of the ruins of a Roman house. The basilica is a beautiful example of early Christian architecture and is home to some of the most important early Christian mosaics in the world.

15. Basilica di San Vitale, Ravenna

The Basilica di San Vitale is a church in Ravenna that was built between 526 and 547 by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I and his wife, Theodora. The basilica is one of the most important examples of Byzantine architecture in Italy and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

16. Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (Trani)

The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. The basilica is home to some of the most important Byzantine mosaics in Italy.

Cattedrale di Trani

Trani Cattedrale

17. Duomo di Orvieto (Orvieto)

Orvieto Cathedral is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral is home to some of the most important works of art in Italy, including Luca Signorelli’s Last Judgment.

18. Basilica di San Nicola (Bari)

The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. The basilica is home to the tomb of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors.

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19. Duomo di Pisa (Pisa)

Pisa Cathedral is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. The cathedral is famous for its Leaning Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy.

Duomo di Pisa

20. Chiesa di Santa Maria della Salute (Venice)

The Church of Santa Maria della Salute is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. The church is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice.

Santa Maria della Salute

Tips for Visiting Churches in Italy

Here are a few tips for visiting churches in Italy:

  • Dress modestly. Most churches require visitors to cover their shoulders and knees.
  • Be respectful. Churches are places of worship, so be quiet and respectful of those who are praying.
  • Take your time. Churches are full of history and art, so take your time to explore and appreciate them.