This church is HUGE!…read more It is beautiful...beyond beautiful inside. The ornate details and architecture is outstanding. I sat in here for a while pondering life...

Visited the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta while taking a half day trip in Pisa. Located in…read morePiazza dei Miracoli near the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Built in the late 12th century representing Pisan Romanesque architecture. Entry is free but timed. Recommend booking online if you can. Visit during mornings or near closing to minimize crowds. Photography allowed but avoid flash. interior of the cathedral is stunning with countless pieces of art inside. Stepping inside brings you into a huge open space with vaulted ceilings supported by large columns. You'll find marble everywhere. Keep an eye out for Christ in Majesty and Giovanni Pisano's pulpit. Plan for about 30-60 min.

A beautiful church that one must not miss if one is touring Lucca. Lot of painting from the 1400…read moreand 1500. The interior architecture is heavenly. The cost is $3 for adult with no strict dress code. $0.50 to light an electric candle.

This is the heart of this incredibly beautiful old town. And right in this heart sits the amazing…read moreSan Michele in Foro. An impressive Roman Catholic Basilica first mentioned in the year 795 (!!) and rebuilt in 1070. You are looking at a history of well over 1000 years here. The facade is really detailed and so is the impressive tower. It's definitely one of the most beautiful Basilicas we've ever encountered. Around the piazza there are lots of shops, cafés, restaurants, gelaterias etc. We bought some good wine at Enoteca Marsili Lucca and had some decent Gelato at the Café Casali. Good times.

This historical landmark is incredible to behold. It is dedicated to St. Michael and is known for…read morehousing the famous Magrini Altarpiece by Lippi. The architecture is Romanesque, with an impressive level of fine detail both inside and out. The interior is more solemn compared to other churches I've visited, but just as intriguing, especially in the ornate carvings that reward a closer look.

900 year old church nNamed after the bishop of Luca. Freudian I was a saint, died and was buried…read morehere in 588. There is a mummified interesting corpse encased inside.

The Baptistery of San Giovanni was founded on 1152, and was used to administer the Sacrament of…read moreBaptism. It was meant to be mirror the majesty of the adjacent Cathedral and is indeed the largest one in Italy (couldn't find any mention what is the biggest in the world). A ticket is required to enter. (7€ individually, or 10€ if part of a pack to see the other 4 museums on the campus) It is one giant dome, with a visitor accessible second level overlooking the first floor. The giant baptismal fountain isn't really admirable from ground level, but from the upper level, it is something. It is 69 steps going down (forgot to count going up...probably similar)..no elevator. This is the one building where you can pay extra (2€) to listen to an audio guide. While we were up there, a guide began to sing a chant to publicize and demonstrate the amazing acoustics of the dome. I've read that the building can be considered one giant musical instrument.

Just can't say enough great things about this baptistery. Lovely and yet simple. Architecture is…read moreamazing and the frescoes on the walls are a thing of joy. A beautiful example of Italian art and architecture.

Church on top of the world overlooking the cliff and mountains. Absolutely heaven!…read more Must travel from Riomaggiore or have green bus drop you at stop on way from La Spezia. Trip to the top requires a bus ride for 2Euro from Riomaggiore and then a 20 min hike up through vineyards. Take plenty of water and items for a picnic at the top. Pine trees and a meadow behind the church is a great spot to picnic and relax. We did see campers at the top who parked their van at bottom and hiked up. Safe and peaceful spot. Absolutely one of the top 5 things we did on our Europe trip.