Basilicas of Italy
Latest page update: 23 January 2025
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By Dion Protani
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Chosen from a total of 573 Basilicas of Italy, 16 of the most important, the most stylish architecturally or containing the greatest works of art are detailed below. There's a common misconception that a basilica is the same thing as a cathedral and given the aesthetic similarities between the two that's quite understandable.
In fact neither basilicas or cathedrals need to follow any rules in terms of size or architectural style and the difference really just comes down to the status ascribed to each church (both basilicas and cathedrals are types of church), by those that govern the organisation. |
Typically, a cathedral is the seat of a bishop, indeed the word "cattedra" refers to the throne that the bishop sits on, while a basilica can be so named for a variety of reasons including historic importance or size.
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Saint Peter's Basilica
Saint Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City in Rome, is one of the most iconic and significant churches in the world. Built on the site of Saint Peter’s tomb, the basilica was completed in 1626 after over a century of construction, involving renowned architects like Michelangelo, Bramante, and Bernini. Its magnificent dome, designed by Michelangelo, dominates the skyline of Rome.
Inside, the basilica features stunning works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s elaborate Baldachin over the papal altar. Saint Peter’s Basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, serving as a major pilgrimage site and symbol of the Catholic faith’s spiritual and artistic legacy. |
Basilica di San Nicola
The Basilica di San Nicola, located in Bari, Puglia, is a revered pilgrimage site and architectural gem in southern Italy.
Built in the 11th century, it houses the relics of Saint Nicholas, a beloved saint known as the inspiration for Santa Claus. The Romanesque-style basilica features a grand façade with intricately carved portals and a striking rose window. Inside, visitors admire its vaulted ceilings, mosaic flooring, and the crypt where Saint Nicholas's relics rest. The basilica has long been a symbol of unity for Eastern and Western Christianity, attracting pilgrims from around the world. |
Basilica di San Vitale
The Basilica di San Vitale, located in Ravenna, is a masterpiece of early Christian and Byzantine art and architecture. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian, it is renowned for its unique octagonal design and stunning mosaics.
The mosaics, among the finest in the world, depict vibrant biblical scenes and imperial portraits, including those of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, symbolizing the connection between church and state. The basilica’s soaring dome, intricate marble columns, and colorful decorations reflect the artistry of the Byzantine era. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Vitale offers an unparalleled glimpse into Ravenna’s history. |
Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is a magnificent spiritual and architectural landmark located in the hilltop town of Assisi in Umbria, central Italy. Built in the 13th century to honour Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order, it consists of two churches: the Upper Basilica and the Lower Basilica.
The Upper Basilica features soaring Gothic architecture and stunning frescoes by Giotto, depicting the life of Saint Francis. The Lower Basilica offers a serene atmosphere with richly decorated chapels and Saint Francis’s tomb, a site of pilgrimage and reflection. |
Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe
The Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe is a remarkable early Christian church located just outside the city of Ravenna, in the district of Classe. Built in the 6th century, it is dedicated to Saint Apollinaris, the patron saint of Ravenna.
The basilica is renowned for its stunning mosaics, especially the mosaic in the apse, which depicts Christ flanked by angels and saints, set against a heavenly backdrop. The church’s simple yet grand architectural design features a spacious interior with a raised presbytery. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it shows the heritage of early Christian Ravenna. |
Basilica di Santa Croce Lecce
The Basilica di Santa Croce is a magnificent Baroque church located in the historic centre of Lecce, in the Apulia region of southern Italy. Built in the 16th century, it is renowned for its elaborate façade, a masterpiece of Lecce Baroque style, featuring intricate carvings, ornate columns, and a large rose window.
Inside, the basilica is equally impressive, with beautiful frescoes, marble altars, and a striking wooden ceiling. The church is dedicated to the Holy Cross and has long been an important religious and cultural site in Lecce. Over the centuries, it has become a symbol of the city’s architectural heritage and artistic achievements. |
Basilica di San Petronio
The Basilica di San Petronio is a stunning church located in the heart of Bologna, on the city's main square, Piazza Maggiore.
Construction began in the 14th century, and the basilica is dedicated to Saint Petronius, the patron saint of Bologna. It is one of the largest churches in Italy, known for its striking Gothic architecture and unfinished façade. The interior features beautiful chapels, vibrant frescoes, and remarkable works of art, including a famous astronomical clock. The church is a symbol of Bologna's religious and civic identity. |
Basilica di Sant'Antonio
The Basilica di Sant'Antonio is located in Padua, northern Italy, and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country.
Dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, the basilica features a striking combination of Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural styles. Its grand façade is adorned with sculptures, while the interior houses stunning frescoes, altars, and the saint's tomb, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. The basilica's history dates back to the early 13th century when construction began after Saint Anthony's death. |
Saint Paul Outside The Walls
The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is a major Christian basilica located in Rome, near the city's ancient walls.
Built in the 4th century, it is one of the four Papal basilicas and is dedicated to Saint Paul, the Apostle. The basilica features a grand façade, adorned with mosaics, and an impressive interior with a central nave lined with marble columns. The highlight is the stunning mosaic of Christ in the apse. The church is built over the tomb of Saint Paul, making it a significant pilgrimage site. |
Basilica di Sant'Anastasia
The Basilica di Sant'Anastasia is a historic church located in the heart of Verona. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, it is one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in the city.
The basilica is known for its striking facade, featuring a blend of brickwork and intricate stone carvings. Inside, visitors can admire stunning frescoes, including works by renowned artists such as Pisanello and Altichiero. The church's vast interior also boasts beautiful chapels, altars, and a magnificent wooden ceiling. |
Basilica di Santa Rita Da Cascia
The Basilica di Santa Rita da Cascia is located in the town of Cascia, in the Umbria region of central Italy.
Dedicated to Saint Rita, a beloved 14th-century nun and mystic, the basilica was built in the 19th century to house her relics. The church is an example of neo-Gothic architecture, with a striking façade and intricate stained-glass windows. Inside, visitors can view the tomb of Saint Rita, which is a site of pilgrimage for many. |
Basilica di Santa Croce Florence
The Basilica di Santa Croce is a prominent church located in the historic centre of Florence, near the Piazza Santa Croce.
Known for its stunning Gothic architecture, the basilica features a grand facade with intricate marble details and an impressive interior adorned with beautiful frescoes by renowned artists like Giotto and Taddeo Gaddi. The church is also famous for being the burial place of several prominent Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Founded in the 13th century by the Franciscans, Santa Croce is a symbol of Florence’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. |
Santa Caterina d'Alessandria
The Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria is located in Galatina, a town in the Puglia region of southern Italy. Built in the late 14th century, it is renowned for its stunning frescoes, which cover the walls and ceilings of the church.
The basilica is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria and showcases a blend of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. The main features include the beautiful façade, intricate carvings, and the striking frescoes, including a famous cycle depicting scenes from the life of Saint Catherine. The church has long been a centre of pilgrimage, reflecting the region's deep religious traditions. |
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome’s most important and historic churches, located on the Esquiline Hill.
Dating back to the 5th century, it was built by Pope Sixtus III and is one of the four papal basilicas in the city. The basilica features a stunning Romanesque and Baroque design, with a striking golden ceiling, believed to be covered in gold from the New World. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful mosaics depicting biblical scenes and the tomb of the famous composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. Santa Maria Maggiore holds significant religious importance and is a key pilgrimage site, symbolizing the city’s early Christian heritage. |
Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is a prominent church located in the historic centre of Florence, near the central train station. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, it is an excellent example of Gothic architecture, with a stunning façade designed by Leon Battista Alberti.
The basilica's interior is equally remarkable, featuring beautiful frescoes by renowned artists such as Masaccio and Filippino Lippi, as well as a striking marble floor. Santa Maria Novella is also known for its historical significance, serving as the headquarters of the Dominican order. Today, it remains a key architectural and cultural landmark in Florence, attracting both religious and art enthusiasts. |
Basilica di San Lorenzo (Florence)
The Basilica di San Lorenzo is a historic church located in the heart of Florence, near the San Lorenzo market. It is one of the oldest churches in the city, with its foundation dating back to the 4th century. The current structure, built in the 15th century, features Renaissance architecture, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
The basilica is renowned for its impressive interior, including the Medici Chapels, which house the tombs of the powerful Medici family. The church also showcases works by Michelangelo, including the altar and tombs. San Lorenzo was a key religious and cultural center, reflecting Florence's significance during the Renaissance. |