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The 10 Best Churches & Cathedrals in Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany (/ˈtʌskəni/ TUSK-ə-nee; Italian: Toscana, pronounced [toˈskaːna]) is a region in central Italy with an area of about 23,000 square kilometres (8,900 square miles) and a population of about 3.8 million inhabitants (2013). The regional capital is Florence (Firenze).
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1. Duomo di Siena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11,597 reviews
The magnificent complex of the Cathedral of Siena, its Duomo, houses a series of some of the most important monuments of the European artistic panorama. With its more than one million visitors every year, the Cathedral without a doubt represents the fulcrum of the entire complex, while other significant elements include the Crypt, the Baptistery and the Museo dell'Opera, all part of the impressive mass formed by the "Duomo Vecchio" (Old Cathedral), and the "Duomo Nuovo" (New Cathedral). Visitors will travel along a memorable itinerary to the discovery of self and the truth of faith through culture and art, the result of more than a millennium of Western history.
Reviewed By Iowares - Des Moines, United States
We walked over to the ticket office to get the tickets for the Duomo, museum, Baptistry and Crypt, and we were blown away with our tour guides! We have seen all the major churches and Cathedrals in Italy, and many of the lesser-knowns, too, and nothing comes anywhere close to this one! Each has it's own unique style, but this one was the most memorable for me! The interior tour was brilliantly executed and our tour guides made us feel like private guests getting a unique inside tour! I could go back every day and see something new! They cover different parts of the floor at different times, so one would need to go at different times to see it all.
2. Chiesa di S. Andrea a Barbiana
3. Chiesa di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice
4. Chiesa di S. Maria Assunta
5. Basilica of Santa Croce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,994 reviews
This is the richest medieval church in Florence, which features frescoes by Giotto, a chapel by Brunelleschi and one of the finest of all early Renaissance tombs.
Reviewed By revlisad - Sarasota, United States
Don't miss seeing the Duomo from the outside. But the one you want to tour inside is Santa Croce. It's a must see for multiple reasons 1. The grandeur of the architecture. It's the largest Franciscan church in the world. The main sanctuary is stunning as are the 16 chapels and courtyards. 2. Don't miss the tombs, both those on the floor of the main sanctuary, the sides of the main sanctuary, and the crypt. Many famous Italians are buried or memorialized here, including, Dante, Galileo, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Rossini, Marconi 3. The art, including frescoes by Giotto and his pupils, incredible icons (my favorite is the Francis of Assisi Icon to the right of the main altar), and statues. Speaking of the main altar, take a few moments in the presence of the crucifix icon, altar icons, stained glass, and painted dome. Stunning. Be sure to find the Last Supper and Tree of Life fresco in one of the additional chapels on property. 4. Set in a delightful piazza with great restaurants, shops, and vendors. Neither the church nor the piazza were crowded when we visited. 5. Great restrooms and quaint gift shop
6. Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta - Duomo di San Gimignano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 959 reviews
Reviewed By K7787FEbrunol - Singapore, Singapore
Definitely one of the highlights of San Gimignano. Painted walls are just extraordinary and you can spend quite a while paying attention to all the details - special mention for the Hell one...
7. Church of San Francesco Arezzo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,339 reviews
Reviewed By Marco_Polo499 - Milan, Italy
St. Francis is an unassuming Franciscan church which contains a real trove of frescoes of the Renaissance period, many of which were painted by the most famous artists of that time. Among these, the frescoes painted by Piero della Francesca in the years 1452-1464 stand out: they narrate the "History of the true cross" and are one of the greatest masterpieces of painting of all time. In fact, they marked a turning point in the history of painting, to the point that the aesthetic ideas expressed in those frescoes are still a source of inspiration for today's painters: celebrated artists such as Botero, Balthus and Diego Rivera carefully studied them, and this is clearly perceived in their works. Piero painted all the walls of the Great Chapel (also called the Bacci chapel), located behind the high altar; in various squares he narrated both historical events and hagiographic legends concerning the Holy Cross: among the most famous scenes of the cycle are the veneration of the Queen of Sheba of the tree from which the wood of the Holy Cross will be taken (a legend) and the dream of the Holy Cross made by Emperor Constantine the night before his battle with Maxentius (a historical fact). Detailed information concerning these frescoes is posted at the entrance of the church (in Italian, English, French and German). In the past the colours of the fresco had dramatically paled because of the intense daylight coming through the windows, but about 30 years ago they were perfectly restored thanks to the generous sponsorship of a local bank (Banco dell'Etruria, a bank which was recently dismembered and partly dissolved due to a sad story now under scrutiny by the courts). Two other cycles of very remarkable frescoes were painted by Parri di Spinello Aretino (Parri, son of Spinello the Arezzian) who is sometimes referrred to as Parri Spinelli: he was born in Arezzo in 1387. The first cycle is in the Guasconi's chapel (also behind the high altar); the second one is located in the upper part of the left wall of the church; the latter cycle had originally been painted on the façade of the medieval Hospital Santo Spirito (Holy Spirit), a hospital also known by the name Santa Maria del Ponte (St. Mary of the Bridge); this hospital was located in the centre of Arezzo and operated continuously from 1216 until 1924; in the year 1880 the frescoes by Spinello were detached and transferred to their present position. The church hosts innumerable other frescoes by less important artists. Many of them have suffered the ravages of time and man and, for some, only fragments remain. My family is from Arezzo and my elders told me that, during the Napoleonic campaign of Italy, the French army used the church as a stable for their horses; it is also known that in the 19th century plans were made for transforming the church into a theatre ! From the architectural point of view the church is absolutely disappointing: it looks like a shed, since the interior is just an immense empty room; no decoration was ever applied to the façade, which has the masonry visible. The church is a National Monument. Access is 8 €, and reservations are required. Access to the church is free when the religious functions are in progress, but access to the chapels is not allowed at that time. The ticket office is in the basement of the church. Opening hours are: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 18:30; Saturday 9:00 to 13:30; Sunday from 13:00 to 17:30. Access is free on the first Sunday of each month. The best hours to visit are in the afternoon, when Piero's frescoes are strongly illuminated by daylight; in the rest of the church the lighting is dim and artificial.
8. Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28,537 reviews
Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio at the end of the 13th century, the Cathedral's trademark dome is now the symbol of Florence.
Reviewed By sanju_222323 - New Jersey, United States
This dome is not only Florence's identity, but it also represents Italy along with other monuments. The list of Florence’s tourist attractions can never be complete without a mention of this great artistic treasure that Italy proudly boasts of. This is one of the most famous cathedrals in Italy due in large part to its dome – the largest in the world from when it was built in 1431 until 1888. It’s still the largest brick and mortar dome in the world and architects are still trying to figure out how the architect, Filippo Brunelleschi, pulled it off. You will have to strain your neck to see the church's massive, iconic dome. The red-tiled cupola was designed by Brunelleschi and is described as a must-see by experts and travelers alike. Though in the photo, it does not look big, but in reality, it’s very huge and do I need to mention how beautiful it is. Outer walls art, it’s so brilliant. This majestic cathedral features 600 years’ worth of stunning architecture and artworks. From its beautiful Gothic facade of red, green and white marble to its elaborate interior of stained-glass windows, mosaics, frescoes and bronze statues. As you take a tour of the baptistery, its museum, the cathedral, and the bell tower, you will come across some of the best-known masterpieces of architecture and art by the greatest artists – Michelangelo, Giotto, Donatello, Brunelleschi, and Ghiberti. There is one ticket for all (Crypt, Museum, Belltower, Dome & Belltower) and that too is only 18 euros, so it’s totally worth it if you are thinking about it. I also felt like the cathedral was designed inside-out: its exterior boasts intricate designs and breathtaking features while the interior is surprisingly plain. Yes when you get in, it feels like where am I? it was so extravagant from outside but inside it’s like any normal church. if you have a ticket, you can get down to Crypt. The dome climb is one of the more popular attractions in Florence but in high season the line can stretch to over 2 hours.so folks get the ticket online with the time slot so that you can reach there on your ticket time and skip the line. Be aware that there is no elevator and some of the narrow walkways require you to stand to the side while people pass in the opposite direction. Also, I think this is not for the claustrophobic. Duomo complex also includes the impressive structures of the Baptistery and Giotto’s bell tower. A climb to the top will reward tourists with incredible views of Florence and the outlying valley. Dome is totally dominating the panoramic view of Florence from Piazza Michelangelo. If you are an appreciator of art and architecture, this is one of the best places to see in Florence to visit. If you’ve never been before and only have one day in Florence you should at least walk around the outside of the cathedral to get a feel for its immensity and see the Gates of Heaven.
9. Cappelle Medicee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,031 reviews
Opulently decorated in marble, gold and jewels, these chapels are a celebration of one of Italy's most famous and powerful families - the Medicis.
Reviewed By SoCalOregonian - Murrieta, United States
The Medici chapels are more than just religious places of prayer; they have been a state museum since 1869. The chapel consists of the Sacrestia Nuova (New Sacristy), Cappella dei Principi (Chapel of the Princes), La Cripta (The Crypt) and the Treasure of the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The main attraction is of course the New Sacristy, commissioned by Pope Leo X as the resting place for his brother Giuliano (Duke of Nemours) and his nephew Lorenzo (Duke of Urbino). Then in 1555 the remains of Lorenzo the Magnificent and his brother Giuliano were interned here. This sacristy has on the tomb of Lorenzo, Dusk and Dawn, on the tomb of Giuliano, Day and Night. The tomb of Lorenzo the Magnificent and his brother Giuliano has Madonna and Child. In the Chapel of the Princes, the grand sarcophagi are empty and serve as cenotaphs; the remains are interred in the crypt. In the niches are 2 statues, Cosimo II and Ferdinando I both created by Tacca.
10. Duomo di Pisa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,355 reviews
Founded in 1064 and consecrated with great pomp on September 26th 1118, the Cathedral was built in two stages, one by architect Buscheto, who created the original layout with the basilican body with four aisles and one nave, a transept with one nave and two aisles, and the dome on the cross vault, and one by Rainaldo, who extended the building and the façade. The building was not finally completed until the last quarter of the XII century, when Bonannoís bronze leaves were placed on the central door, which were later destroyed by the devastating fire of 1595, after which many of the destroyed works were replaced and a vast decorative plan was started.
Reviewed By Ulysses336 - Brasov, Romania
the complete name of the Duomo di Pisa is Primatial Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumtion of Mary ; construction began in 1063 and ended in 1092 and this monumental cathedral is built in Pisan Romanesque style rivaling with Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Venice ; the cathedral lies right across the leaning tower of Pisa and is the siege of the Archbishop of Pisa ; it is monumental,impressive ,a feat for the eye ;
