Beautiful Churches of Italy

Churches in Italy are in multitude and absolutely gorgeous. A small town or a big city, churches are in abundance and almost everywhere. Going to a church in Italy is also a very serious business. Everyone needs to follow a proper attire and dress code. Shoulders and legs are expected to be covered properly, people wearing short skirts, tank tops or shorts are frowned upon and are told to cover themselves well. No matter how modern you are, you will have to adhere to the dressing code as per the Italians and respect their traditions and culture.

         Basilica Santa Maria del Fiore

One of the most beautiful churches that I visited was the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore. An astoundingly beautiful and striking church located in the heart of Florence, it is called the Duomo and is extremely famous because of its beautiful Dome. Thousands of people visit this mammoth structure daily. Needless to say, it is very crowded outside, albeit the interiors are much peaceful. It stands apart from all the other churches that I have visited. The dome of Santa Maria del Fiore happens to be the largest brick dome ever constructed. 

Another few churches that caught my attention in Florence especially were Santa Maria Novella and Santa Spirito in Florence.

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Basilica di Santa Spirito

The capital city, Rome, is also home to hundreds of churches approximately 900 as per the list on Wikipedia.

Apart from the famous St Peter's Basilica in The Vatican, there is the church of Saint Agnes. I count myself lucky to have visited there. It is absolutely heavenly amidst a large square. 

Church of Saint Agnes

St Peter's Basilica

There were also some unusual churches in the offbeat side of the country. For instance the Church of San Lorenzo in Manarola was near a fruit shop overlooking small Italian homes. If one longs for quietude and peace (less crowded of course) this church has beautiful interiors and is a "must visit". Another famous one is the church of Saint Peter- a striking structure of the 12th century in Porto Venere.

Church of Saint Peter

The beautiful and picturesque Vernazza was also home to a 13th century church- Santa Margarita d'Antiochia, that stands on a rock. Unfortunately I could not visit the inside of this church.

Church of Santa Margarita d'Antiochia

Church of San Lorenzo