#30 Spectacular Churches To See When In Italy

29. San Michele in Foro, Lucca

After wandering Lucca’s narrow, winding, medieval streets, the wide open space that this church occupies is almost a shock, making its appearance even more striking and magnificent. Built over the ancient Roman forum, its ornate facade, which features sculptures and inlays above, and blind arcades below, was originally designed in the 13th century and later restored.The graceful bell tower features mullioned windows and was built between the 12th and 14th centuries.

30. Sacro Monte di Crea, Piemonte

A World Heritage site, this stunning church is set on a large square. A particular point of interest is its side corridor, which is plastered with drawings and paintings – some quite basic, some very skilled – by ordinary people who have been snatched from death by the Virgin. Depicting hospital beds, exploding truck tires, car accidents, charging bulls and falling from heights, the pictures are touchingly devotional. From here, climb the wooded mountain, stopping at shrines along the way, until you reach ‘Paradise’ at the summit.