beautiful and historic churches

Guest article contributed by Lauren Axelrod

Italy boasts some of the most spectacular cathedrals in the world. These architectural gems are historical treasures that have withstood years of war and other tests of time. The styles of these astonishing locations are so diverse including architecture depicting Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Medieval, and ancient styles of Rome. New architectural concerns for color, luminosity and shade, sculptural standards and concentration characterize the Baroque design whereas the Renaissance drew on the wealth and power of the Italian courts. Gothic architecture evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture. The style featured “a pointed arch, the ribbed vault and the flying buttress.”

St. Peter’s Basilica

historic churches st peters basilica rome

(images via: Argenberg, sharkbait, edrambley, imageining)

St. Peter’s Basilica is located in Vatican City in Rome. St. Peter’s is one of the most prevalent churches ever built and it remains one of the holiest sites in Christendom. This Basilica is the resting place for Peter, the apostle who is considered to be the first pope; his tomb is located under the main altar.

San Pietro in Vincoli

beautiful churches san pietro vincoli

(images via: ibiscus27, Amen-Ra, rpster88, and J.F. Marrero)

San Pietro in Vincoli is a minor basilica in Rome, Italy. It is one of the most famous cathedrals that houses one of Michelangelo’s most esteemed works of art, Moses. San Pietro is most remembered for the relic of the chains that bound Saint Peter while imprisoned in Jerusalem. The chains are still kept under the main alter in a reliquary.

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

historic churches basilica di santa maria della salute

(images via simonk and bill anderson)

The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is one of the largest churches in Venice and has the standing of a minor basilica. It is located between the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco on the lagoon.

Basilica di Sant’Agnese Fuori le Mura

historic churches sant agnes fuori le mura

(images via: Lawrence OP, cucumber and theranterandsidekickpics)

The Basilica di Sant’Agnese Fuori le Mura is a 7th century church in Rome. It is noteworthy for its mosaics, shrine of the virgin martyr St. Agnes, and catacombs.

Basilica di Santa Croce

historic churches basilica di santa croce

(images via: joshkritzer, Nadi0 and Dave77459)

The Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church of Florence, Italy. Situated on the Piazza Santa Croce to the east of the Duomo, it is best known for its Florentine artwork and its tombs of illustrious dead, including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli.

Basilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva

beautiful historic churches santa maria sopra minerva

(images via: Lawrence OP, Feuillu and J. Salmoral)

Basilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva is one of the only Gothic churches in Rome. It is located directly on the foundations of a temple to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. The construction of the church began in 1280 however, with the growing times the inner walls have been stripped of their former brilliance.

St Mark’s Basilica

beautiful historic churches st marks basilica venice

(image via: sanish, flappingwings and Glynnis Ritchie

St Mark’s Basilica is an example of Byzantine architecture and is one of the most prominent churches in Venice. St Marks is located just off the Grand Canal; the luminous basilica dominates Piazza San Marco and adjoins the Doge’s Palace. “San Marco is a cathedral: it has been the seat of the Archbishop of Venice since 1807.”

Santa Maria in Trastevere

beautiful churches santa maria in trastevere

(images via: Kieran Lynam, soyignatius and Nicolas Esposito)

Santa Maria in Trastevere dates back to 4th century AD and is one of the oldest churches in Rome. Santa Maria is located in Trastevere where the streets are filled with history and the dazzling 12th century mosaics make it well worth the trip.

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