Got back from our trip to Italy, visited over 20 churches. Some of our favorite include:
Florence Cathedral. As impressive as this is from the outside, it might be equally unimpressive inside. Outside of the frescos on the dome interior it lacks a lot of the typical paintings, tapestries, etc. on the inside like you find at all the other churches/basilicas. But it's just so iconic to see from the outside and how it dominates the Florence skyline when viewed from afar.
Also in Florence, just a couple of blocks down from the Academia with the David statue was the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata. Small, but beautiful inside. I don't think near as many people visit as most of the cards describing the art and artifacts were only in Italian vs more touristy spots always having text in English as well.
The Siena Cathedral was another one that we thought looked amazing inside and out.
Santa Maria Maggiore might be the best looking one we've ever been in… maybe 1B to the 1A on our list, but just striking every which way you look. The gilded bronze or gold, whatever it was ceiling was incredible.
Of course we couldn't fly halfway across the world and not see the piece de resistance…. When you factor in the Sistine chapel/Vatican museums as well, it really is deserving of all the praise/attention it gets. Truly is the most impressive place we've ever been to.
Florence Cathedral. As impressive as this is from the outside, it might be equally unimpressive inside. Outside of the frescos on the dome interior it lacks a lot of the typical paintings, tapestries, etc. on the inside like you find at all the other churches/basilicas. But it's just so iconic to see from the outside and how it dominates the Florence skyline when viewed from afar.
Also in Florence, just a couple of blocks down from the Academia with the David statue was the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata. Small, but beautiful inside. I don't think near as many people visit as most of the cards describing the art and artifacts were only in Italian vs more touristy spots always having text in English as well.
The Siena Cathedral was another one that we thought looked amazing inside and out.
Santa Maria Maggiore might be the best looking one we've ever been in… maybe 1B to the 1A on our list, but just striking every which way you look. The gilded bronze or gold, whatever it was ceiling was incredible.
Of course we couldn't fly halfway across the world and not see the piece de resistance…. When you factor in the Sistine chapel/Vatican museums as well, it really is deserving of all the praise/attention it gets. Truly is the most impressive place we've ever been to.
