TOP FIVE RECOMMENDED CHURCHES IN TUSCANY
In Italy, touring churches isn’t just for the devout. Churches are where the best art hides, and where the greatest painters and sculptors, from Giotto to Michelangelo, left their mark. Italy’s political, religious, cultural and artistic histories are deeply entwined, and to this day tourists head to the region’s best known cathedrals to admire the world renowned Medieval and Renaissance art that adorns them. Pause in these historic holy places and think of all of the souls, leaders and ordinary people, who walked down these aisles, knelt in these pews and lit candles for their loved ones while surrounded by such extraordinary beauty. Think of the weddings of the powerful, who shaped history, which took place in these cathedrals, and of the generations of artists who worked throughout the centuries to turn them into renowned masterpieces. We suspect that many of these churches are impressive enough to tempt even reluctant children to imagine the history that unfolded in between these walls. 1.DUOMO, FLORENCE Florence’s Duomo is a jaw-dropping wonder with an intricate façade of distinctive pink and green marble. The dazzling Gothic architecture features more than 40 stained glass windows and is crowned by a glorious dome. If you could see only one church, This UNESCO World Heritage site
should
be
it.
2.DUOMO, SIENA The scale of this tourist magnet gives it a real wow factor, and the details are equally amazing. The white and black stripes of marble are Siena’s colors, and the artwork, which took centuries, was done almost entirely by local artists. The illustrated marble floor is a highlight that even children will
appreciate.
4. DOUOMO, PISA This fine example of delicate, Romanesque architecture is part of the famous Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli) featuring also the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Square is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Duomo’s massive and detailed bronze doors lead to a dazzling coffered gold
ceiling
and
some
important
examples
of
medieval
art.
5. SANTA CROCE, FLORENCE Santa Croce is Florence’s VIP Church, where some of the city’s most important leaders and prominent figures were buried. While you enjoy stunning frescos by Gaddi and Giotto, the kids can challenge each other to see who can find the graves of Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo, and
guess
which
masterpiece
is
said
to
have
inspired
the
Statue
of
Liberty.
6.DUOMO SAN MARTINO, LUCCA In addition to artwork that includes Tintoretto’s Last Supper, this gorgeous Romanesque church offers a bit of mystery and miracle. Look for the 12th century carved labyrinth on the portico, and the Volto Santo by the Biblical figure Nicodemus, who claimed the face was done by angels while he slept.
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