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Top 10 most beautiful churches of Italy
  In short
Italy has been the powerhouse of European art and architecture. Here are located many of the world’s most beautiful buildings that have been replicated and copied all around the world.
This article lists the greatest churches in Italy. In this country are hundreds of very interesting cathedrals and other churches – with unusual and beautiful architecture, with great works of art and with an exciting history which sometimes is 2 thousand years long. Nevertheless, six churches are just outstanding and, at least in Wondermondo’s view, stand above all others in Italy. And… then there are four more which are almost as great!
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List of the 10 most beautiful churches of Italy
01
Florence Cathedral
76.9%
Italy, Tuscany, Florence
When was it built? 1296 – 1469 (facade – 1887)
Why is it great? Few buildings in the world have had such importance for the development of architecture and engineering as Florence Cathedral. This wonder of Gothic and Renaissance architecture was the largest building in medieval Europe and its amazing technical innovations were not surpassed for centuries. Its giant dome is covered with one of the world’s largest frescoes and the giant, polychrome facade is very unusual.
02
Saint Mark’s Basilica
75.7%
Italy, Veneto, Venice
When was it built? 1063 – 1094
Why is it great? This is one of the most splendid and sumptuous structures in the world, one of the highest achievements in Byzantine architecture. It contains unusual and absolutely unique values of art, such as the Triumphal Quadriga – four bronze horses, a masterpiece of Ancient Roman sculpture. The interior of the giant basilica is adorned with golden mosaics and countless works of art made by Veronese, Titian, Tintoretto, and many other art geniuses. True art connoisseurs can spend an eternity here and still find something new and unexpected…
03
Milan Cathedral
71.7%
Italy, Lombardia, Milan
When was it built? 1386 – 1965
Why is it great? Such judgments are subjective – but Milan Cathedral could be the most beautiful Gothic structure in the world. It has extremely tall Gothic vaults – 45 m tall. In spite of the long construction time, the style has been maintained. Cathedral is adorned with 3400 statues. Mark Twain wrote: “I cannot understand how it (Milan Cathedral) can be second to anything made by human hands.”
04
Siena Cathedral of Santa Maria
60.5%
Italy, Tuscany, Siena
When was it built? 1229 – 1263
Why is it great? The facade and the whole exterior of this Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral have outstanding ornamentation, it is unusual and at the same time harmonious. Cathedral has a rich collection of art that would make any museum in the world proud: here are works by Michelangelo, Bernini, Donatelli, Pisano, and many other outstanding Renaissance artists. Especially beautiful is the pavement in the cathedral.
05
Pisa Cathedral
56.8%
Italy, Tuscany, Pisa
When was it built? 1063 – 1092
Why is it great? The Leaning Tower of Pisa in a way is just a part of touristic pop culture (no, it is great indeed!). But the real thing in Pisa is Pisa Cathedral – gorgeous, graceful, and rich with outstanding art values.
06
Assisi Basilica (Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi)
54.8%
Italy, Umbria, Assisi
When was it built? 1228 – 1253
Why is it great? One of the most important churches in the world, celebrating the rebirth of Christianity in a modernized Europe through the efforts of Saint Francis of Assisi. The building contains two churches with beautiful interiors.
07
Orvieto Cathedral
54.5%
Italy, Umbria, Orvieto
When was it built? 1290 – 1591
Why is it great? This is one of the most impressive Gothic structures in the world – extremely ornate and at the same time pleasable.
08
Santa Maria della Salute, Venice
51.9%
Italy, Tuscany, Florence
When was it built? 1631 – 1687
Why is it great? The most recent church of all in this list – but what a beauty! This highly original structure started a new direction in Baroque architecture, it houses a wonderful collection of art by Titian and other great painters of the Renaissance, and, after all, it has its own story. Please, read it!
09
Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
51.8%
Italy, Lazio, Rome
When was it built? Around 312 – 1735
Why is it great? This had to be the greatest church of all time. But history was cruel – over the incredible 1700 years long history this church was demolished, burned, and just abandoned. It was rebuilt, extended, and changed almost beyond recognition. It got a bitter rival and now is overshadowed by the nearby St. Peter’s Basilica. Nevertheless, formally no other church is as important as this one. And, yes, it is gorgeous and full of beautiful art indeed!
10
Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua
48.8%
Italy, Veneto, Padua
When was it built? 1232 (?) – 1310
Why is it great? This enormous and unusual church is serious and has weird, macabre relics. But at the same time, it embodies hope – every year some 5 million pilgrims come here to look for dear things which they have lost.
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