Churches were once a place of worship. As Christianity grew in power, so did the pomp and grandeur. With its rise as a king maker - and often the political enemy in the medieval times, the church had to create resources to sustain its existence. The continual offerings, the crusades and the patronage by the kings ensured vast wealth that was used for aggrandizement. Its apogee was reached in St. Peters Basilica in Rome that is as much a statement of power as piety.
Your travel to destination Italy would remain incomplete without a trip to the some of the most magnificent churches and cathedrals. Even if religiosity puts you off and reminds of wars, their intrinsic majesty demand your attention. And yes they are great sign posts of history.
ST. PETER'S BASILICA:
Rising at a spot where the Prince of Apostles - namely St Peters was crucified. St Peters church is more of a show of papal power. The Renaissance popes in fact explicitly expressed a wish for building the largest, most impressive, most jaw-dropping cathedral the world had ever seen. The resulting cathedral partially designed on Bramante's and Michelangelo's vision, more than lived up to the expectations. It covers an area of 23000 sq . m with a capacity of 60,000 people. The rich decor of gilded interiors, marble, and mind-boggling mosaics are topped by countless artworks including Michelangelo's sublime Pieta. Other sights here are a small museum of Vatican treasures and the eerie underground grottoes containing the tombs of former popes. But it's the dome that remains etched in the mind. The massive (136.57 m) dome is a paraboloid with the ribbing accentuating its shape. The openings inside are all but invisible and offer a sensational view of the city and its surroundings.
THE DUOMO OF FLORENCE:
Dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore, it is typical of Italian Gothic architecture. The cupola has become a legendary feature of the Florentine skyline, symbolizing a great cultural tradition and the city's civic awareness. The apses are exquisitely beautiful and are matched by the beautiful Porta della Mandela near the Assumption of the Virgin sculptured by Nanni di Banco .Step inside to view some fabulous artistic delights that counterpoise the architecture's taut Gothic forms. Paolo Uccello's equestrian monuments and the fresco decoration of the clock on the inside wall, showing four vigorous heads of male saints, the lunettes by Luca della Robbia above the doors of the Sacristy and the splendorous stained glass windows are real treats.
THE DUOMO OF SIENA:
Constructed in the 12th century, this cathedral is remarkable for being one of the most beautiful and ambitious Gothic churches in Italy. Exquisite -often extravagant- zebra-striped bands of marble is its leit motif. In fact, the pavement of masterful mosaics is amongst the masterpieces here, along with an octagonal pulpit carved by master sculptor Nicola Pisano, and the lavishly frescoed Piccolomini Library.
BASILICA DI SAN FRANCESCO (ASSISI):
The cathedral for the patron saint of protector of small animals and birds - St. Francis-was built by the Franciscan brotherhood long after he was gone. The frescoes by Giotto's are a highlight here and were in fact the highpoint of figurative realism in Italian art , much before the onrushing Renaissance took it to dizzying heights. carried the technique even further. The cathedral remains a must see whenever you travel to Umbria in destination Italy.
THE DUOMO OF ORVIETO:
This marks the transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic styles. Completed over 3 centuries, it even has the distinction of sheltering an Italian pope (Clement VII) from the marauding French soldiers in 1527. The Etruscan origins give it an eerie ambience which its history does not dispel. The fresco cycles by Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli Are worth going miles to see.