City: Italy
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The 10 Best Sacred & Religious Sites in Italy, Italy
Coordinates: 43°N 12°E / 43°N 12°E / 43; 12
Restaurants in Italy
1. Basilica San Vitale
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,556 reviews
History As a symbol of the Archiepiscopal Chancellery of Ravenna, San Vitale is one of the greatest works of late Roman art. Famous for its mosaics commissioned by Archbishop Maximian (546/556 AD), the basilica is a place of contemplation. While the body descends its steps the spirit rises to the Truth. A masterpiece to be admired for its evident beauty and its hidden, precise, evocative theological argument.
Reviewed By DRJAMESV - Makawao, United States
This basilica is named for the saint martyred in 303 AD. However, its gold gilded mosaics are a testament to Emperor Justinian and his wife Queen Theodora. I am likely a descendent of this saint, since my surname is Vitale also. The walking distance Ai Giardini di Vitale hotel is also stellar.
2. Santuario del Sacro Speco - Monastero di San Benedetto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,067 reviews
Reviewed By plv2020
We were able to drive up with a family member but so much mountains greenery speechless beautiful. Then turn around and the Sanctuary a beautiful building built in the mountain Not being able to envision how they built this beautiful building so many years ago! When you enter it’s just very peaceful and feel spiritual; it gave me chills. I felt more spirituality here than feeling anything at the Vatican. At the end of San Benedetto there’s a quaint gift shop.
3. Eremo Le Celle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,203 reviews
Reviewed By Borzov - Rijeka, Croatia
Hermitage of Le Celle, founded in the 13th century by Saint Francis and extended by his successor, Brother Elias, is a humble and simple monastery, built in a true spirit of the Franciscan order. The name “Celle” came from the small hermit houses built in the wholes of the mountain. It is a beautiful, calm and peaceful place, historical monument and a pleasant sight.
4. Valle dei Templi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,409 reviews
This region is one of the most important archeological sites in the world with many great temples such as Hera (Juno,) Lacinia, Concordia, Heracles (Hercules) and Olympian Zeus (Jupiter,) all dramatically perched along a long rocky scarp.
Reviewed By alikarim - Dallas, United States
This is an extremely well preserved set of ancient Greek temples that you can visit over a mile long walk. Best thing to do is to park yoru car at the bottom of the valley; at the exit of the site. Then take a local taxi (3 Euros/person) to the top of the site, the main entrance, where fro about an entrance fee of $13.50; you can start at the top temple and walk leisurely down to the bottom sites, exploding multiple temples and ruins in great shape. Lots of tourists here, but well worth the visit. It will take several hours to complete this, so plan for a min half day here. A must do in Sicily.
5. Cathedral of Santa Maria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 922 reviews
This 14th-century cathedral is located in the medieval quarter of Castello.
Reviewed By NHAD
A small walk throught the old city within the wall next to the palace you will find an impressive catholic church -no entrance fee. We have a guide explaining the vriuos oppart and is a must visit if you are in the old town .
6. Duomo di Milano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56,586 reviews
The Duomo, symbol of Milan in the world, is one of the largest cathedrals in Italy and Europe. Patrimony of Milanese people and humanity, over the centuries it has been expressing, with its magnificence, the devotion of humanity toward the Divine, involving future generations in an endless commitment. The Milan Cathedral, besides being an artistic monument, is a privileged place of prayer, deeply linked to the memory and teachings of the Bishops who succeeded on St. Ambrose's chair, and to the history of the millions of worshippers who, every year, gather in this place to celebrate the Sacred Mysteries. The Cathedral is the mother Church of the Diocese, having a symbolic role of exemplarity both in the life of the city worship, and in relation with the Diocese activity.
Reviewed By ibrett23 - Derby, United Kingdom
I come here every year, past 8 years for a long weekend break. Duomo is a fantastic work of art, great views of Milan from the rooftop, the inside and the museum are also worth the visit, €28 euros for a skip the line tour of all three is a bargain too
7. Museo Cappella Sansevero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21,199 reviews
Built in the late 1500s, this gem of Italian artistic heritage was greatly influenced by the famous Raimondo de Sangro VII, Prince of Sansevero, a genius of science and invention.
Reviewed By stephaniep185 - New York City, United States
Buy your timed ticket online or expect to wait on a long line - simply magnificent church with world class art & sculpture- no photos allowed so be sure to buy the book at the gift shop so you remember what you saw!
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. Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montallegro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 815 reviews
Reviewed By MiguelbBuenosAires - Missoula, United States
Take the funicular to this 600+ meters high Sanctuary. The church is absolutely beautiful with a nice history behind. The views from both the funicular and the sanctuary are unique and gorgeous. Definitely a recommended spot. We have been around many towns in the Ligurian region and Rapallo with the sanctuary, it’s rebuilt port and it’s city centre (with a stop at Eldolz... coffee shop - highly recommended as well) was a nice surprise and a delight to visit.
10. Basilica San Nicola
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,373 reviews
Reviewed By RCZ953 - Paola, Malta
Beautiful church and highly evocative because of the story behind its dedication to Saint Nicholas, which is very much part of Bari's identity.
