Italy is the home of Catholicism. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the country is filled with some of the world’s most stunning churches.
If there’s only one reason to visit Italy, the architecture has to be it. Every town, every city, and every hot spot in the country is adorned with a beautiful church or two that will mesmerise the best of us.
Home to many Christian pilgrimages, these stunning churches and magnificent cathedrals have so much fascinating history behind them.
From ancient churches to famous cathedrals, let’s take a look at the top ten most beautiful churches in Italy.
The World Bucket List’s top facts about churches in Italy:
- The Pantheon in Rome was originally a Roman temple. It has been a Catholic church since 609 AD.
- 79% of Italy’s total population is Catholic.
- Although encompassed by Rome, Vatican City is a separate state headed by the Pope.
- Some o the most famous paintings in the world are found in the Sistine Chapel, painted by Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Perugino.
- Milan Cathedral is the largest church outside the Vatican. It took almost six centuries to complete: work began in 1386 and was completed in 1965.
10. Siena Cathedral, Siena − a beautiful medieval church
Duomo di Siena, or Siena Cathedral in English, is a stunning medieval church built in the 14th century.
It is one of the most magnificent churches in Italy due to its stature and outwards beauty, but especially thanks to the beautiful stained-glass windows.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 8, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
9. Saint Mark’s Basilica, Venice − Greek cross design
Basilica San Marco is one of the most beautiful basilicas in all of Italy and is a must-visit location to add to your Venice itinerary. It is one of the most ancient basilicas in the country, having been built over 1000 years ago in the 9th century.
Laid out in a Greek cross design, it was originally built to house sacred relics. While the whole church is a mix of architectural styles, the marvellous marble mosaic flooring and interesting shape of the building itself reflect the Byzantine style so clearly. A beautiful site to see on your perfect day in Venice.
Address: P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
8. Florence Cathedral, Florence – one of the country’s most majestic cathedrals
One of the most stunning Gothic cathedrals in the country, Florence Cathedral stands out against the cityscape like no other in Italy or perhaps in Europe.
Previously known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, this 13th-century church remains a symbol of the city’s famous Renaissance. If you’re visiting Florence, this is an absolute must on your sightseeing journey.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
MORE ON FLORENCE: The WBL guide to the incredible statues in Florence you need to check out.
7. Turin Cathedral, Turin – check out the bell tower
Turin Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in northern Italy. Built in the 15th century, it sits opposite the ancient bell tower that was built in 1470.
Otherwise known as the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, the Shroud of Turin has been housed here since 1578.
Address: P.za S. Giovanni, 10122 Torino TO, Italy
6. Milan Cathedral, Milan – one of the most beautiful churches in Italy
Known in Italian as Duomo di Milano, this is the stunning cathedral church of Milan. Italy is filled to the brim with beautiful churches that incorporate the Gothic architectural style, and Milan Cathedral is no exception.
A Gothic church that towers above you, Milan Cathedral should certainly be on your bucket list when planning your trip to Italy.
Address: P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
5. St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City – one of the holiest places of worship
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter, or simply Saint Peter’s Basilica, is a Renaissance-style church located in Vatican City, the papal enclave within the city of Rome. It is one of the world’s most loved landmarks.
This church is considered one of the Catholic Church’s holiest places of worship. Located just a two-minute walk from the Sistine Chapel, it is a must-see if you’re in the area. It is also one of the biggest churches in the world.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
4. The Pantheon, Rome – a very important Italian structure
What was once a Roman temple became a Catholic church in 609 AD. This is an incredibly important building in Italy as it is one of the best preserved from ancient Rome.
It’s a stunning church that incorporates both Greek and Roman styles and it has been the inspiration for many similar churches throughout Europe.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
EXPLORE ROME: Our guide to the best hidden gems in the Italian capital.
3. Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome – filled with stunning mosaics
One of Rome’s oldest churches, built around 350 AD, this was the first church to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The beauty of this Italian church lies in its quaint stature and impressive mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries. Byzantine architecture is apparent through the main altars’ beautiful mosaics.
Address: Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
2. Basilica of Saint Anthony, Padua – a mix of architectural styles
This beautiful eight-domed basilica combines elements of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic styles.
The interior of the basilica is a sight to behold. With checkerboard marble floors and beautifully cloaked walls, this is one of the most beautiful churches in Italy.
Address: Piazza del Santo, 11, 35123 Padova PD, Italy
1. Orvieto Cathedral, Orvieto – a stunning façade
Orvieto Cathedral, or Duomo di Orvieto, is a picturesque 14th-century Roman Catholic cathedral in central Italy. While it might not be as famous or known as some of the other entries on our list, it definitely deserves to be.
With marble-vas reliefs and glittering mosaics shrouding the church’s façade, its beauty is outstanding.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 26, 05018 Orvieto TR, Italy
MORE ON CHURCHES: The World Bucket List’s guide to the most beautiful churches in the world.
Other notable mentions
Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence: Known as the Basilica di Santa Croce in Italian, it is the primary Franciscan church in Florence.
Duomo Nuovo, Brescia: A beautiful church in the city of Brescia in Northern Italy.
Cathedral of St. Andrew, Amalfi: Known as Duomo di Amalfi, this church is dedicated to the Apostle St Andrew, whose relics are housed here.
Your questions answered about churches in Italy
If you’ve still got questions, you’re in luck! In this section, we answer some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions along with some that are popular in online searches about churches in Italy.
What are churches called in Italy?
The word for church in Italy is ‘Duomo’.
Is Italy known for churches?
Italy is recognised around the world as the home of Catholicism. In turn, the beautiful churches that are dotted around the country are one of the main things Italy is famous for.
Are all churches in Italy Catholic?
In a country that is predominantly Catholic, there are non-Catholic churches in cities throughout the country.
