Archive for 'Churches & Religious Buildings'

There is absolutely no lack of things to see and do in Italy. The food is almost universally delicious, the shopping is great, it is home to some of the best beaches in the world and natural delights, and is rich beyond belief in historical, cultural and artistic gems. However, it is also home to many strange and incredible sights that could be called the “Wonders” of Italy. Here are just seven that we have picked out. Here are the Seven Wonders of Italy.

The Temple of Valadier doesn't look real but like something from a fantasy novel. Perched just inside the Frassassi mountain caves in Genga, Le Marche with views across an amazing landscape, it seems like a mythical temple or the home of some magical creature. It is actually a neoclassical church which was built in 1828 for Pope Leone XII, set inside the fantastical Frassassi cave system, which is made up of crags, stalagmites and stalactites, and has a theatrical and breath-taking appearance. To visit just, find a holiday rental in Le Marche and spend a day exploring this special place.

In the Municipality of Montefalco you will find a rather incredible place; the Complex of San Francesco. This a complex of buildings made up of a Franciscan church, convent, museum and picture gallery, wine cellars and crypt and is, unexpectedly, one of the best little cultural institutions that you have never heard of before.

The heart of the complex is the Church of San Francesco, which is homes to 16th century frescoes painted by Benozzo Gozzoli, in the chapel of San Girolamo and in the apse, including scenes from the life of St. Francis.

These are among the most important and well-maintained painting of the cycles of the Renaissance and, as such, are a must-see for art lovers visiting the area. The church itself was built between 1335 and 1338 by the Friars Minor on a rectangular plan and it is composed by a central nave ending in a pentagonal apse.

Pavia is an antiquated town in Lombardy that is over 2000 years old, located not far from Milan that evokes fairytales, particularly the likes of Rapunzel, as it is populated by several medieval towers that reach towards the sky and look down upon modern buildings.

These thin, seemingly purposeless towers, once overwhelmed the town with their quantity and numbered a hundred. Today, far fewer exist but the town remains known as the “City of 100 Towers.”

In spite of their dwindling numbers, there are still plenty of other things to see and do in the town nowadays so why not find a vacation rental in Lombardy and pay a visit to beautiful Pavia?

Bergamo is a stunning city in Lombardy that is surrounded by captivating scenery and stuffed full of architectural and cultural gems. One of the most beautiful buildings in the whole city, however, has to the Cappella Colleoni.

Built between 1472 and 1476, it was constructed as a mausoleum-cum-chapel for the Bergamese mercenary commander Bartolomeo Colleoni. One of the most famous mercenary captains in Italy, he led Venice's armies in campaigns across northern Italy and was known as a fearless soldier.

With a charming exterior and stunningly lovely interior, his chapel is a must-see for visitors coming to the city. Just find a vacation rental in Lombardy and spend time exploring Bergamo and her architectural boons.

The Basilica di Santa Croce, or Church of the Holy Cross, is one of the oldest and best-known of Lecce's Baroque buildings.

In a stunning city of architectural and cultural gems, it manages to still stand out as one of the most beautiful. Just find a vacation rental in Apulia and you can explore this gem of a destination for yourself.

Work on the basilica began in 1549, as part of the renewal of the area declared by emperor Charles V in response to the threat of an invasion by the Ottoman Turks. The Battle of Lepanto came and went and, all the while, local artisans, architects and artists transformed the city.

The basilica was the work of Gabriele Riccardi, Cesare Penna and Giuseppe Zimbalo and is a grand project that catalogues mythology, religion and history on the interior and exterior.