The Beautiful Churches of Italy

The center of Roman Catholicism, it is no surprise that Italy would have some of the most beautiful churches in the world. Some are landmarks, like Assisi and Milan, and others are much lesser known, but spectacular in art, architecture and detail.

The Magnificent Cathedrals and Churches of Italy

The churches of Italy are truly magnificent. Many are hundreds if not a thousand years old. Built during the Middle Ages or Renaissance periods, some have been rebuilt over and over again. Some cathedrals took 100-500 years to build. Most of the cathedrals are Roman Catholic. And many of these cathedrals are commonly known as “Duomos.” The Duomo refers to the principal church of a town or city. The duomo or cathedral will be the town’s main church. But that said, there are cases where the cathedral and the principal church are not the same.

There are also a number of churches in Italy, that have exceptional distinction or status and they are comparable in importance to cathedrals without having ever been the seats of bishops — they are also known as cathedrals. This page will focus on both – the “duomo” or main cathedral, as well as secondary cathedrals.

The Milan Cathedral took nearly six centuries to be built, starting in 1386. It was only completed in 1965.

Duomo di Milano, the Milan Cathedral

The Milan Cathedral is the third largest church in the world, and Italy’s largest Gothic cathedral, with 135 marble spires, 135 gargoyles, and more than 3,400 statues on the rooftop. The interior is equally impressive with 52 enormous marble columns, brilliant stained glass windows, and magnificent alters.

Headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, home to the pope, St. Peters Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican museums.

The Vatican in Rome

These photos are taken inside the Vatican Museums on the way to the Sistine Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the pope.

Built in 1196 and opened in 1215. The cathedral was built in Romanesque, Italian Gothic, and Classical architecture styles.

Duomo di Siena, the Siena Cathedral

The Siena Cathedral is really a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The interior is equally stunning with stripes of black and white marble, richly decorated walls, mosaic flooring, 56 inlaid marble panels by 40 artists of the age–all taking over six centuries to complete.

The Pisa Cathedral is a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral built in 1092. In 1118, it was the biggest cathedral in Europe for over 100 years. Called the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, it is crafted entirely of white marble with 68 monolithic columns from Sardinia.

Cattedrale di Pisa, Pisa Cathedral

The Pisa Cathedral is only one monument inside the famous Piazza del Duomo, considered one of the finest architectural complexes in the world. The square is dominated by four great religious monuments including the Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistry, the Campanile, and the Camposanto Monumentale or cemetery.

One of the most spectacular cathedrals in Italy, and a symbol of Orvieto itself.

Duomo di Orvieto, Orvieto Cathedral, Umbria

Construction began in 1290 and was completed three centuries later in 1591. It combines both Italian Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles.

One of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

Construction began in 1228, when St. Francis was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in Assisi.The basilica was completed in two parts, the lower part was completed in 1230 and the upper basilica was completed in 1253. Assisi is the town where St. Francis was born and died, and he is buried in the crypt below the basilica.