Italy
advertisement
Basilica di San Francesco
Filled with spectacular frescoes by Giotto, this church is Assisi's crowning glory. It is a place of pilgrimage for Francis devotees and art lovers alike.
Sant'Ambrogio
Noted for its architecture, this basilica was consecrated by St. Ambrose in 387 AD. It became the model for all Lombard Romanesque churches.
Sant'Antimo Abbey
Located in a Tuscan valley near Siena, this spectacularly beautiful abbey is a must-see. Gregorian chant can be heard from inside the elegant Romanesque church throughout the day.
Arian Baptistery
This baptistery was built at the end of the 5th century, when the Arian Visigoths ruled Italy. The dome mosaic shows the baptism of Christ with a personification of the River Jordan.
Spoleto Cathedral
The lovely Duomo di Spoleto dates from the 12th century. It features a fine Romanesque facade, magnificent frescoes by Fra Filippo Lippi and others, and a handwritten letter from St. Francis of Assisi.
San Vitale Basilica
Built in 548 over the site of the martyrdom of St. Vitalis, this octagonal church contains some of the most celebrated mosaics in the West.
Paestum Archaeological Site
The Paestum Archaeological Site in southern Italy is home to three Doric Greek temples - the Temple of Neptune, Temple of Hera and Temple of Ceres - and many other ancient ruins.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
One of Europe's great icons, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the campanile (bell tower) of Pisa Cathedral. In addition to its astonishing lean, the tower is notable for its magnificent Romanesque arcading.