Cathedrals of Italy
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Latest page update: 23 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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There are a total of 368 Cathedrals of Italy and to make an exhaustive list of them all would require a much longer page without any photos. So that being the case, 32 of the most famous, most beautiful and most distinctive are laid out below.
Of course, it's difficult to say one Cathedral is better than another because it's all a matter of opinion, but some just have that little something extra or may be an important representation of a particular architectural style. Italian Cathedrals are generally built in one of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque or Neoclassical and with the selection below we can find some of the best examples of each building style. |
Salerno Cathedral, Campania
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Related links
Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran
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The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, located in Rome, near the Lateran Palace, is the oldest and highest-ranking of the four major basilicas of the Catholic Church. Built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine, it serves as the official cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. Known as the "Mother Church of the World," its imposing façade features intricate statues of Christ, saints, and apostles.
The basilica’s interior showcases stunning baroque architecture, with gilded ceilings, ornate chapels, and the impressive baldachin over the high altar. Home to relics of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, it remains a spiritual and architectural treasure in Rome. |
Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome
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Milan Cathedral
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Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano, is an iconic Gothic masterpiece located in the heart of Milan, at Piazza del Duomo.
Construction began in 1386 and spanned over six centuries, resulting in one of the largest and most intricate cathedrals in the world. The cathedral boasts an elaborate façade adorned with thousands of statues and spires, including the iconic golden Madonnina at its highest point. Inside, its vast nave, magnificent stained glass windows, and ornate altars captivate visitors. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Milan and the Alps. |
Milan Cathedral
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Florence Cathedral
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Florence Cathedral, or the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is an iconic landmark in the heart of Florence.
Completed in 1436, it is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome, the largest masonry dome in the world. The cathedral’s façade features intricate marble designs in green, pink, and white, while the interior houses beautiful frescoes, including *The Last Judgment* by Vasari and Zuccari inside the dome. Adjacent to the cathedral are Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery of San Giovanni, famous for its bronze doors. |
Florence Cathedral
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Basilica di San Marco
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The Basilica di San Marco, or St. Mark's Basilica, is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture located in Venice's iconic Piazza San Marco.
Originally built in the 9th century to house the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist, it became the city’s symbol of wealth and power. The basilica is renowned for its ornate façade adorned with intricate mosaics, gilded statues, and five domes. Inside, visitors are mesmerised by shimmering gold mosaics depicting biblical scenes, the Pala d’Oro altarpiece encrusted with precious gems, and the treasury's priceless artefacts. |
Basilica di San Marco, Venice
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Siena Cathedral
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The Siena Cathedral, located in the historic centre of Siena, Tuscany, is a striking example of Italian Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, it is renowned for its intricate façade adorned with marble sculptures, depicting biblical scenes.
The interior is equally impressive, featuring a black-and-white striped marble design and stunning frescoes, with works by artists like Donatello and Michelangelo. The cathedral's floor is a masterpiece of inlaid marble, showcasing intricate designs and religious scenes. The Piccolomini Library inside contains beautiful frescoes by Pinturicchio. |
Siena Cathedral, Tuscany
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Orvieto Cathedral
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The Orvieto Cathedral, or Duomo di Orvieto, is a stunning Gothic cathedral located in the hilltop town of Orvieto, Umbria.
Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, it is renowned for its striking facade, adorned with intricate mosaics and sculptures that depict biblical scenes. The cathedral's interior features a magnificent fresco cycle by Luca Signorelli, illustrating the Last Judgment. The grandiose nave, richly decorated chapels, and beautiful stained glass windows make the cathedral a medieval masterpiece. |
Orvieto Cathedral, Umbria
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Monreale Cathedral
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Monreale Cathedral is a remarkable example of Norman architecture, located in the town of Monreale, just outside Palermo, Sicily. Built in the 12th century under the orders of King William II, the cathedral is renowned for its stunning mosaics that cover over 6,000 square metres, depicting scenes from the Bible.
The architecture combines Norman, Arab, and Byzantine influences, showcasing intricate details in both the interior and the exterior. The cathedral’s cloister, with its 228 columns, is equally impressive. Monreale Cathedral has been a key religious site in Sicily for centuries and remains a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its artistic and historical significance. |
Monreale Cathedral, Sicily
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Syracuse Cathedral
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The Syracuse Cathedral, located in the historic center of Syracuse, Sicily, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Built on the site of an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Athena, the cathedral’s façade features intricate carvings and grandiose columns, while the interior is adorned with ornate altars and beautiful frescoes.
One of its most notable features is the blending of classical and Baroque styles, with parts of the original temple’s columns incorporated into the structure. The cathedral’s history dates back to the 5th century BC, but it was transformed over the centuries, especially after the Norman conquest in the 11th century. |
Syracuse Cathedral, Sicily
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Pisa Cathedral
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Pisa Cathedral, located in the heart of the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, it was designed by the architect Buscheto and stands as a symbol of Pisa’s wealth and religious importance during the medieval period.
The cathedral’s striking façade features intricate marble carvings and a grand central portal. Inside, visitors can admire its vast nave, adorned with mosaics and frescoes, as well as the remarkable Pulpit by Giovanni Pisano. Pisa Cathedral is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and is closely associated with the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. |
Pisa Cathedral, Tuscany
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Cefalu Cathedral
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The Cefalù Cathedral is a stunning Norman cathedral located in the coastal town of Cefalù, in Sicily. Built in the 12th century under the orders of Roger II of Sicily, it is a remarkable example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture.
The cathedral features a grand façade with twin towers, intricate mosaics, and a stunning central nave. The highlight of the interior is the impressive mosaic of Christ Pantocrator, which dominates the apse. Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone various modifications but has retained its historical significance. Today, it stands as both a place of worship and a symbol of Cefalù's rich cultural heritage. |
Cefalù Cathedral, Sicily
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Lecce Cathedral
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Lecce Cathedral is located in the historic center of Lecce, a city in the Puglia region of southern Italy. The cathedral, built in the 12th century and later renovated in the Baroque style, stands as a magnificent example of Pugliese architecture.
Its façade is adorned with intricate carvings, featuring Biblical scenes and decorative elements. The interior boasts a blend of Romanesque and Baroque styles, with a beautiful central nave, elegant altars, and stunning frescoes. The cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and has been a central place of worship for centuries, symbolizing the cultural and religious significance of Lecce. |
Lecce Cathedral, Puglia
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Bolzano Cathedral
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Bolzano Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary, is located in the heart of Bolzano, a city in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy. The cathedral is a striking example of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, with its impressive bell tower and a beautifully tiled roof adorned with colorful patterns.
The church’s interior is equally notable, featuring stunning frescoes and medieval artwork. Originally founded in the 12th century, Bolzano Cathedral was expanded over the centuries, with significant renovations in the 14th and 15th centuries. It serves as the center of religious life in the city and is a symbol of Bolzano's cultural heritage. |
Bolzano Cathedral, Trentino Alto-Adige
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Prato Cathedral
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Prato Cathedral, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria delle Carceri, is located in the city of Prato, Tuscany. Dating back to the 12th century, the cathedral is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, with later Gothic and Renaissance additions.
Its most notable feature is the striking façade, decorated with white and green marble, and the interior's remarkable frescoes by artists such as Filippo Lippi. The cathedral also houses the Sacred Cint, a relic believed to be the girdle of the Virgin Mary, which is venerated during the annual procession. |
Prato Cathedral, Tuscany
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Parma Cathedral
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Parma Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is located in the heart of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna.
The cathedral, built between 1059 and 1106, is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture with later additions in Gothic and Baroque styles. Its most notable feature is the striking dome, frescoed by the renowned artist Correggio, depicting the Assumption of the Virgin. The cathedral’s façade is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, while the interior houses beautiful chapels and altars. |
Parma Cathedral, Emilia Romagna
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Anagni Cathedral
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Anagni Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, is located in the town of Anagni, Lazio. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the cathedral is a magnificent example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
The cathedral’s most notable feature is its stunning frescoed interior, particularly the apse, which depicts scenes from the life of Christ and the Last Judgment, attributed to the famous artist Jacopo da Subiaco. The cathedral also boasts a beautifully carved wooden choir and an impressive bell tower. Historically, Anagni Cathedral is significant for its association with the papacy, as it was the site of several important ecclesiastical events. |
Anagni Cathedral, Lazio
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Cremona Cathedral
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Cremona Cathedral, located in the heart of Cremona, Lombardy, is a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, was originally built in the 12th century and underwent significant renovations in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Its impressive façade is adorned with intricate sculptures and rose windows. Inside, visitors can admire the grand nave, beautiful frescoes, and the remarkable astronomical clock. One of the cathedral's highlights is the Torrazzo, its towering bell tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. |
Cremona Cathedral, Lombardy
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Modena Cathedral
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Modena Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Geminianus, is located in the heart of Modena, Emilia-Romagna. It was built between the 11th and 12th centuries and is a prime example of Romanesque architecture.
The cathedral is renowned for its impressive façade, adorned with intricate sculptures, and its large, stunning bronze doors. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes and the tomb of Saint Geminianus, the city’s patron saint. Modena Cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, recognizing its cultural and architectural significance. |
Modena Cathedral, Emilia Romagna
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Genoa Cathedral
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Genoa Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, is located in the historic centre of Genoa. It was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and is a stunning example of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
The cathedral's façade features striking black-and-white striped marble, typical of the region, and an impressive rose window. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes, medieval sculptures, and the relics of Saint John the Baptist, the cathedral’s patron saint. The cathedral has undergone several renovations over the centuries and remains landmark in Genoa. |
Genoa Cathedral, Liguria
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Amalfi Cathedral
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Amalfi Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, is located in the heart of Amalfi, a picturesque town along Italy's Amalfi Coast. The cathedral was originally built in the 9th century and has undergone several renovations over the centuries, blending styles from Romanesque to Baroque.
Its stunning façade features a mix of Arabian, Norman, and Byzantine influences, with intricate mosaics and a grand staircase. Inside, visitors can find beautiful frescoes, marble floors, and the relics of Saint Andrew, the town's patron saint. Amalfi Cathedral remains a symbol of the town's rich history, religious significance, and artistic heritage. |
Amalfi Cathedral, Campania
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Pistoia Cathedral
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Pistoia Cathedral, or the Cathedral of San Zeno, is located in the heart of the Tuscan city.
The cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture with elements of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its façade is adorned with intricate marble reliefs and sculptures, while the interior features beautiful frescoes and the tomb of San Jacopo, the city's patron saint. Nearby, visitors can explore the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Corte and the Palazzo dei Vescovi, two of Pistoia's most iconic sights. |
Pistoia Cathedral, Tuscany
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Palermo Cathedral
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Palermo Cathedral is a stunning architectural landmark located in the historic centre of Palermo, Sicily.
Built between the 12th and 18th centuries, it showcases a unique blend of Arab-Norman, Gothic, and Baroque styles. The cathedral’s grand façade features intricate decorations, while the interior houses impressive chapels, beautiful mosaics, and the tombs of Norman kings. Close by, visitors can explore the Quattro Canti, the Piazza Pretoria, and the Palazzo dei Normanni. |
Palermo Cathedral, Sicily
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Agrigento Cathedral
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Agrigento Cathedral, or the Cathedral of San Gerlando, is located in the heart of Agrigento, Sicily, atop a hill overlooking the city.
Built in the 11th century, the cathedral showcases a mix of Norman and Baroque architectural styles. Its imposing façade features elegant stone carvings, while the interior boasts beautiful frescoes and a richly decorated altar. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Gerlando, the city’s patron saint, and houses his relics. Nearby, visitors can explore the Valley of the Temples, a famous archaeological site. |
Agrigento Cathedral, Sicily
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Verona Cathedral
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Verona Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare, is located in the historic centre of Verona, near Piazza dei Signori.
This Romanesque cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, features a stunning façade with intricate carvings and a beautiful rose window. Inside, visitors can admire splendid frescoes, a magnificent marble altar, and the tomb of the famous bishop, Saint Zeno. Nearby, visitors can explore landmarks such as the Roman Arena and the picturesque Ponte Pietra. |
Verona Cathedral, Veneto
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Naples Cathedral
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Naples Cathedral, or the Cathedral of San Gennaro, is located in the heart of Naples, on Via Duomo. This impressive structure, originally built in the 13th century, combines Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural elements.
The cathedral is renowned for its stunning chapels, including the Chapel of San Gennaro, which houses the saint's relics and the famous vial of blood. The cathedral’s exterior features intricate carvings, while its interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes and artwork. Nearby, visitors can explore the Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro. |
Naples Cathedral, Campania
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Pavia Cathedral
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Pavia Cathedral, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Castello, is located in the historic centre of Pavia, Lombardy.
Construction began in the 15th century, and the cathedral is an excellent example of Renaissance architecture. Its vast dome, one of the largest in Italy, dominates the city’s skyline. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes, intricate sculptures, and the tombs of notable historical figures. Nearby, visitors can explore the ancient Visconti Castle and the famous Ponte Coperto, a picturesque bridge over the Ticino River. |
Pavia Cathedral, Lombardy
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Noto Cathedral
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Noto Cathedral, or the Cathedral of San Nicolò, is located in the heart of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southeastern Sicily. Built in the 18th century after the original cathedral was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake, it is a fine example of Sicilian Baroque architecture.
The cathedral features an impressive façade with intricate carvings, a grand staircase, and a large dome. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes and ornate altars. Nearby, visitors can explore other Baroque masterpieces, such as Palazzo Ducezio and the Church of San Domenico. |
Noto Cathedral, Sicily
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Bressanone Cathedral
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Bressanone Cathedral, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is located in the town of Bressanone (Brixen), in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy.
The cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, features a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. Its striking façade is adorned with intricate carvings, and the interior houses beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and a stunning altar. Nearby, visitors can explore the Bressanone Bishop's Palace and its lovely gardens. |
Bressanone Cathedral, South Tyrol Province
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Salerno Cathedral
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Salerno Cathedral, or the Cathedral of San Matteo, is located in the historic centre of Salerno, near the city's bustling main square.
Built in the 11th century, it is a remarkable example of Norman-Romanesque architecture, featuring a beautiful façade with intricate stone carvings and a grand staircase. Inside, visitors can admire the crypt, which houses the relics of Saint Matthew, and stunning mosaics. The cathedral also boasts a blend of architectural styles, including Byzantine and Baroque elements. |
Salerno Cathedral, Campania
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Enna Cathedral
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Enna Cathedral, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is located in the town of Enna, in central Sicily.
Situated on a hilltop, the cathedral offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Built in the 12th century, it combines Norman, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. Its façade is characterized by a beautiful rose window and intricate stone carvings, while the interior features a blend of medieval and Renaissance artwork, along with a stunning wooden ceiling. Nearby, visitors can explore the Castello di Lombardia, an ancient fortress, and the nearby Torre di Federico. |
Enna Cathedral, Sicily
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Lucca Cathedral
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Lucca Cathedral, or the Cathedral of San Martino, is located in the historic center of Lucca, Tuscany, just a short walk from the city's main square, Piazza dell'Anfiteatro.
Built in the 11th century, the cathedral is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture with a striking façade featuring intricate carvings, marble columns, and a large rose window. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes, the Tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, and the famous Volto Santo, a wooden crucifix. Nearby, visitors can explore the Guinigi Tower, the Piazza San Michele, and the medieval city walls. |
Lucca Cathedral, Tuscany
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Urbino Cathedral
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Urbino Cathedral, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is located in the heart of Urbino, a charming town in the Marche region of Italy.
Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the cathedral features a neoclassical façade with a large central dome and elegant columns. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes, altars, and works of art, including paintings by local artists. The cathedral stands at the top of the town, offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside. |
Urbino Cathedral, Marche
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Spoleto Cathedral
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Spoleto Cathedral, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is located in the heart of Spoleto, a town in central Italy’s Umbria region.
The cathedral, originally built in the 12th century, combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Its façade is adorned with intricate sculptures and a stunning rose window. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes by Filippo Lippi, as well as the 13th-century wooden ceiling. The cathedral is situated near Spoleto's historic center, close to other landmarks such as the Rocca Albornoziana fortress and the Ponte delle Torri. |
Spoleto Cathedral, Umbria
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