#30 Spectacular Churches To See When In Italy

When it comes to Italian Churches, St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City will, understandably, top the bucket list of many. After all, it’s a spectacular destination for anyone interested in religion, architecture, history or politics. However, in a country that’s absolutely riddled with churches, there are many other places of worship, ranging from opulent to humble, to be admired throughout Italy.  Scroll down to start our slideshow of 30 Spectacular Churches To See When In Italy.

Pisa Cathedral shown below, number 15 in our list

1. Florence Cathedral, Florence

It’s a sight that’s unmistakably Florence: the red-roofed cathedral which, along with its baptistery and campanile is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commissioned by Cosimo de’ Medici in 1420, it took Filippo Brunelleschi 16 years to complete the brick dome; comprising over 4 million bricks, it’s the largest of its kind ever constructed. Interestingly, by the time Brunelleschi was born, the cathedral itself had already been under construction for 80 years.

2. Chiesa de Gesu, Rome

This is the Mother Church of the Jesuit Order and, surrounded as it is by Rome’s other, better known treasures – the Coliseum, the Pantheon and the Forum, for example – easily overlooked when you’re frantically ticking off sights on your Roman Holiday. It’s more than worthy of a visit, however, with its utterly spectacular ceiling, painted by Giovanni Battista Gaulli and called Triumph of the Name of Jesus. Prepare for neckache!