Choose from 645 Fun Things to Do in Italy
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Sant'Andrea delle Fratte
The Baroque church of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte—while small—houses impressive religious artifacts and artworks worthy of a visit. The 17th-century church is home to a single nave and three chapels that include paintings by Borgognone and ornate frescoes and stuccoed angels by Marini. Of particular note are the sculpted angels on each side of the presbytery, created by Bernini.
The church's striking dome and tower, designed by Borromini, contrasts its modest interior, and serves as a beacon to those traversing Rome's top attractions. Located between the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, the church is a highly-recommended stop along the way.
You can visit the church, which honors St Andrew, as part of a city walking tour of sites dedicated to Mary and different saints.
Practical Info
The church is located at Via di Sant’Andrea delle Fratte in Rome. It is near the Mercede bus station, and is a five-minute walk south of the Spanish Steps and north of the Trevi Fountain.
Sant'Andrea delle Fratte is open daily July through September from 6:30am to 12:30pm and from 4:30pm to 8pm. It is open October through June from 6:15am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm. Entrance to the church is free.
Address: Via di Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, 1, Rome, Italy
Hours: July–Sept: 6:30am–12:30pm & 4:30pm–8pm; Oct–June: 6:15am–1pm & 4pm–7pm
From $ 21
Sant'Andrea della Valle
Tucked away in a piazza just off one of Rome’s busiest thoroughfares in the Centro Storico, the Baroque church of Sant’Andrea delle Valle was designed by Giacomo della Porta and eventually completed by a succession of other Baroque masters—including Carlo Maderno and Borromini—in 1663. It is famous for providing the setting for the opening of Puccini’s opera Tosca.
The frescoed dome was the handiwork of Carlo Maderno and at 528.5 ft (16.1 m) it is the second largest in Rome after St Peter’s. Underneath this mighty cupola, the church is liberally scattered with the extravagant marble chapels and tombs of wealthy 16th-century Italian aristocrats, including the Strozzis, the Barberinis and several popes. Great names like Michelangelo and Bernini had a hand in designing these sarcophagi, and together with the gilt ornamentation and nave frescoes from the greatest artists of the day adorning the walls, plus the marble patterning of the floors, they come together in creating a highly decorative church interior awash with color.
Sant’Andrea delle Valle is within an easy stroll of the lovely ancient squares of Campo de’ Fiori—a lively morning market is held here—and Piazza Navona, famous for its Baroque fountains by Bernini.
Practical Info
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Centro Storico, Rome. Open daily 7:30am–12:30pm, 4:30pm–7:30pm. Admission free. Take Metro Line B to Colosseo and then a 10-minute walk.
Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Centro Storico, Rome 00186, Italy
Hours: Open daily 7:30am–12:30pm, 4:30pm–7:30pm
From $ 31
Santa Maria della Salute
With its ornate facade and towering dome, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is one of the most beautiful sights along Venice’s Grand Canal. Known simply as La Salute, the church dominates the mouth of the canal and its steps seem to rise directly from the water, inviting visitors to explore its soaring interior.
The Basics
This baroque church, designed by Baldassare Longhena, was built in the 17th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, or Our Lady of Health, for having brought a stop to a devastating plague outbreak that killed a third of the Venetian population in the early 1600s. You can view its grandeur during a gondola ride or luxury motorboat cruise on the canal, or stop in to admire the Byzantine-influenced interior—with its exquisite mosaic floor and impressive artwork by Tintoretto and Titian—during a Venice walking tour. Private tours often combine a stop at La Salute with other famous sights like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace in St. Mark’s Square, and the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be sure to bring your camera if taking a gondola or speedboat cruise up the Grand Canal to snap pictures of Santa Maria della Salute along with other canalside landmarks.
- If you’re planning to visit the interior of the church, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- Walking tours of Venice cover a lot of ground, so wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- There is a flight of steps to enter La Salute, so the church is not accessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
From Piazza San Marco, take a water taxi or vaporetto (water bus) to the Salute stop. You can also walk across the Ponte dell’Accademia, weaving your way through Venice’s beautiful alleys to the church.
When to Get There
One of the most picturesque festivals in Italy takes place each year on November 21, when Venice celebrates the Festa di Santa Maria della Salute. The city builds a temporary bridge across the Grand Canal to the church for pilgrims and holds a boat procession in honor of the Virgin Mary. Try to schedule a visit around this time to see the festivities. The church closes each day from noon to 3pm, so be sure to stop by in the early morning or late afternoon to visit when the church is open yet not too crowded.
Exploring the Dorsoduro Neighborhood
Santa Maria della Salute is located in Venice’s Dorsoduro neighborhood, home to other important sights like Ca' Rezzonico, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the Church of San Sebastiano.
Address: Fondamenta Salute, Venice 30123, Italy
From $ 26
Santa Maria della Pace
Not far from the busy and popular Piazza Navona in Rome is the Santa Maria della Pace church, which has a Baroque facade on a 15th-century church.
The front of the existing church was redesigned in the mid-17th century at the behest of Pope Alexander VII, including the lovely semicircular entrance lined with columns. The architect, Pietro da Cortona, also had some neighboring buildings destroyed to open up the little piazza around the church more.
Inside, the main attractions are artistic and predate the 17th-century work on the facade. A large Raphael fresco of the “Four Sibyls” is over the altar in the Chigi Chapel, painted in 1514. The Ponzetti Chapel contains a Peruzzi fresco of the “Madonna and Child,” and Antonio da Sangallo the Younger designed the Cesi Chapel.
Behind the church is the rest of the complex, including a large cloister built by Bramante between 1500-1504. Today, part of the cloister serves as an exhibition space for which tickets are required. Exhibitions rotate regularly.
Practical Info
In the coffee shop on the top level of the cloisters, there is a Sybils’ Hall that has a glass wall that looks right into the church. From this vantage point, you get a wonderful view of Raphael’s “Four Sibyls,” and there’s an audio-visual guide to explain what you’re seeing.
Address: Via Arco della Pace 5, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Hours: Mon, Wed, & Sat 9-11:50am
From $ 87
Santi Cosma e Damiano Church (Chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano)
Like many of Rome’s earliest Christian churches, the Santi Cosma e Damiano Church (or Basilica dei Santi Cosma e Damiano) was once a pagan temple and incorporates elements of its original Roman architecture. After becoming a church in 527, however, the interior was richly decorated with mosaics considered to be masterpieces of sixth and seventh-century art.
The Basics
This circular church and adjacent monastery are located at the original entrance of the Roman Forum, in what was once the Foro di Vespasiano, and are home to some of Italy's most important early Christian mosaics. Many private tours of the Roman Forum include a stop in the basilica, and devotees of Saint Damian can also join a day excursion from Rome to Assisi and Orvieto to visit the Chiesa di San Damiano as part of a tour of Assisi with a private guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Though the church is part of the Forum complex, the entrance is through the monastery outside the Forum, so you do not need tickets to enter.
- Visitors must wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees to enter the church.
- The church and cloister are accessible to wheelchairs; the crypt beneath the church is not.
- Photography (without flash) is allowed inside the church.
How to Get There
The basilica is part of the Roman Forum (Foro Romano) complex, located on Via dei Fori Imperiali near the Colosseum. Take metro line B to the Colosseo stop.
When to Get There
The Roman Forum is usually busy, but this separate area is less visited, meaning you don’t have to expect crowds throughout the day. September 26 is the saint's day dedicated to the church’s saints, Cosmas and Damiano. This makes for a particularly beautiful day to visit the church during the celebratory mass.
Santi Cosma e Damiano History
The basilica is dedicated to the saints Cosmas and Damian, two Syrian brothers who were physicians and, after martyrdom, became the patron saints of doctors and veterinarians. The church was first a fourth-century temple dedicated to Romolo (or Romulus, the deified son of Emperor Maxentius) before becoming the Church of the Saints Cosmas and Damian in 527.
Address: Piazza Benedetto Cairoli 117, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
From $ 131
Santa Maria in via Lata
According to locals, the Biblical icon Saint Paul spent two years on house arrest living in the darkened crypt beneath Santa Maria in via Lata. While some claim it was Saint Peter or Luke or even Saint John who once called this church home, it’s clear that no matter who lived in the shadows of this stunning building’s lower levels, Santa Maria is a seriously holy structure.
Religion pilgrims make their way each year to the statue of the Virgin Advocate, which is said to have performed many miracles. Travelers can wander the nave and explore the chapels of Santa Maria, where alabaster, marble and lapis relief work, as well as stunning frescos and old canvas painting decorate the walls.
Practical Info
Santa Maria in Via Lata Is located on Via del Corso is located diagonal from the church of San Marcello al Corso.
Address: Via del Corso, 306, Rome, Italy
From $ 86
Santa Margherita Sanctuary (Basilica di Santa Margherita)
Saint Margaret – Margherita in Italian – was a 13th century Franciscan penitent who died in Cortona, where they erected a church dedicated to her. The church was completed only seven years after Santa Margherita died.
The Basilica di Santa Margherita, also known as the Sanctuary of Santa Margherita, was rebuilt in the 19th century after having undergone some serious modifications in the 18th century. The church we see today bears no resemblance to the original 14th century structure, though some features on the interior were preserved.
The remains of Saint Margaret herself are kept in the basilica, as they have been since it was first built. She lies in a chapel in the left transept, and a wooden cross to which she prayed during her lift is in the altar at the back of the nave.
Practical Info
The church is on top of a hill on the Via Santa Margherita in Cortona.
Address: Piazzale Santa Margherita, 1, Cortona 52044, Italy
From $ 292
Santa Maria della Vittoria
Best known for its Cornaro Chapel—home to Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s stunning masterpiece, The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa—Santa Maria della Vittoria has one of the most ornate marble interiors in Rome. Designed by baroque architect Carlo Maderno, the church is adorned with white and gilded stucco angels and putti, as well as 17th-century frescoes.
The Basics
Santa Maria della Vittoria (Saint Mary of Victory) was begun in the early 17th century, designed by Maderno and featuring a facade by Giovanni Battista Soria that is a near replica of Maderno’s nearby church of Santa Susanna, completed in 1603. In addition to The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, this relatively small church is decorated with a number of other sculptures by Domenico Guidi and Pierre Etienne Monnot, and paintings by Giovanni Domenico Cerrini, Guercino, Nicolas Lorrain, and Domenichino. The preserved remains of Saint Victoria are displayed inside.
Santa Maria della Vittoria is a popular stop on walking tours of Rome—especially those that focus on works by Bernini and landmarks mentioned in the popular novel Angels & Demons. You can combine a visit with stops at other city highlights like the Colosseum, the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, and the Spanish Steps.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Photography without a flash is allowed inside Santa Maria della Vittoria.
- Modest attire that covers shoulders and knees is required to enter.
- Touring the church during mass is frowned upon.
- The church is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Santa Maria della Vittoria is located on Via XX Settembre between Piazza della Repubblica and the Termini station, and Villa Borghese. Both of the city's metro lines and many bus routes stop at Termini.
When to Get There
The church can be crowded at peak times of year, especially due to L’Estasi di Santa Teresa being one of Bernini’s most famous sculptures in Italy. Try to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy this marvelous work in relative peace.
Santa Maria della Vittoria in Literature
Santa Maria della Vittoria was featured in Dan Brown’s bestselling novel Angels & Demons, a follow-up to the smash hit The Da Vinci Code. The church became a hugely popular tourist destination in Rome after the book was published in 2006 and the film version was released a few years later.
Address: 20 Settembre number 17, Rome, Italy
From $ 57
Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is Rome’s only Gothic church, but it’s a Michelangelo sculpture and a stunning interior—not its architectural design—that attracts travelers from across the globe.
Visitors will find colorful frescos inside the 13th-century church, as well as the tomb of Pope Pual IV and the famed Michelangelo sculpture, Christ Bearing the Cross. Travelers call Santa Maria Sopra Minerva the greatest place you’ve never heard of, thanks to its impressive basilica and a vast collection of artwork that's unmatched in its quiet and reflective setting.
Combine your visit to S. Maria Sopra Minerva with a skip-the-line ticket to the Pantheon on an informative guided tour.
Practical Info
The church is located at Piazza della Minerva in Rome, just north of Via di Pie di Marmo. It is accessible by bus via Pie Di Marmo station, and is located a three-minute walk from the Pantheon.
Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 7pm, and on Saturday from 7:30am to 12:30pm and from 3:30pm to 7pm. It is open Sunday from 8am to 12:30pm and 3:30pm to 7pm, with mass beginning at 6pm. Entrance to the church is free.
Address: Piazza della Minerva, 42, Rome, Italy
Hours: Mon–Fri: 7:30am–7pm; Sat: 7:30am–12:30pm & 3:30pm–7pm; Sun: 8am–12:30pm & 3:30pm–7pm
From $ 34
Sant'Ambrogio Market (Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio)
Italy is known for its vibrant outdoor markets, and one of Florence’s liveliest is the Sant’Ambrogio Market (Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio). Here you can enjoy the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Italian food market and make some purchases from the stalls piled high with fresh produce and local specialties.
The Basics
This bustling market is packed with stalls that sell many of the same sorts of items seen at the Florence’s larger and more famous Central Market (Mercato Centrale)—fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, cheese, fish, cured and fresh meats, spices, and household items—but with fewer tourists. It’s a charming spot to stroll through, especially as part of a Florence street food walking tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A tour of the Sant’Ambrogio Market can be fun for kids who may need a break from the more sedated cultural treasures of Florence.
- If you are visiting as part of a walking tour, be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- The market is in a level square, so it’s easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.
- As in all crowded markets, it’s a good idea to be aware of pickpockets.
How to Get There
The Sant’Ambrogio Market is located on the corner of Piazza Ghiberti, just opposite the Trattoria da Rocco in the Santa Croce neighborhood, about a 10-minute walk from the train station. Florence is a rail hub in central Italy, with high-speed routes connecting from Rome, Venice, and Milan.
When to Get There
The Sant’Ambrogio Market is open Monday through Saturday from 7am until 2pm, and the earlier you visit, the better. Like all Italian markets, Sant’Ambrogio specializes in seasonal produce and the offerings change from week to week.
Visiting the Nearby San Lorenzo Market
Another well-known Florentine shopping venue is the San Lorenzo Market, where travelers come to purchase Tuscany’s famous leather.
Address: Piazza Ghiberti, Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
From $ 33
Santi Quattro Coronati
The ancient basilica of Santi Quattro Coronati is dedicated to four unnamed saints, all martyred. The name means “four crowned saints,” meaning they were martyrs.
The church was first built in the 6th century, but mostly destroyed in the 11th century. The rebuilt church was much smaller, preserving the original apse. In the 13th century, the Chapel of San Silvestro and a cloister were added – the former decorated with frescoes, and the latter with intricate inlaid stonework designs. The four saints to whom the church is dedicated are buried in tombs in the crypt.
Practical Info
The church is open daily from 10am-11:45am, and then from 4pm-5:45pm. The cloister is closed on Sunday mornings.
Address: Via dei Santi Quattro, 20, Rome, Italy
Hours: Daily from 10am-11:45am, and then from 4pm-5:45pm. The cloister is closed on Sunday mornings.
From $ 43
Santa Maria Formosa
The striking church of Santa Maria Formosa stands in a sleepy piazza of the same name and has seen several transformations since the founding of the original wooden church in 842. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it owes its present appearance to Renaissance architect Mauro Codussi, who was commissioned to rebuild the church nearly 400 years after it burnt down in 1106. Much of the work was finished after his death in 1504 and the church is almost unique for having two marble façades, one overlooking the Campo Santa Maria Formosa and the other facing the Rio (canal) del Novo Mondo. It has a freestanding Baroque campanile (bell tower) that was designed by the priest Francesco Zucconi in 1688, and a vast white marble dome, which was repaired in the same year following an earthquake and again in 1921 after Austria bombed Venice in World War I.
The restrained marble interior is laid out on a Greek cross plan and is largely the result of work commissioned by wealthy merchant Torrino Tononi in 1689; the main highlight of its three aisles is the luminous polyptych Santa Barbara by Palma il Vecchio above the main altar.
It is rumored that Santa Maria Formosa gets its strange name – ‘formosa’ translates as ‘comely’ or ‘buxom’ from Italian – from a well-endowed prostitute who lived in the neighborhood in the late 16th century.
Practical Info
Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Castello, Venice. Open Mon–Sat
10am–5pm. Admission €3. Ferry to Rialto or San Zaccaria.
Address: Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Castello, Venice, Veneto 30122, Italy
Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–5pm
Admission: €3
From $ 29
Santa Margherita Ligure
The resort town of Santa Margherita Ligure on the Italian Riviera is often outshined by its famous neighbor, Portofino, but deserves no less attention. The larger of the two, Santa Margherita Ligure feels less overrun with tourists while offering similarly quaint cafes and boutiques, pastel-painted buildings, and glorious views of the sea.
The Basics
A popular holiday destination among Italians, Santa Margherita Ligure is much less well-known among international travelers, making it an attractive alternative to other coastal towns in Liguria, like Cinque Terre and Camogli, which are often expensive and crowded.
You can easily explore the town's sights during a half-day walking tour and still have time to relax on the beach before sunset. Attractions include a 16th-century castle (Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure), the Chiesa di Santa Margherita d'Antiochia and adjacent Santuario di Nostra Signora della Rosa, the tiny Oratorio di Sant'Erasmo set directly on the water's edge, and Villa Durazzo, known for its 19th-century English-style botanical garden.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Santa Margherita Ligure has a number of beaches: The most popular are the Spiaggia Minaglia, the Spiaggia Regina Elena, and the Bau Bau beaches along the road to Portofino.
- The town is relatively level and compact, though Villa Durazzo is set on a hilltop just outside the center, so some uphill walking is required.
- With its mix of indoor and outdoor sights and beaches, Santa Maria Ligure is an ideal destination for families on a private tour.
How to Get There
Unlike Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure has a train station, making it easier to access from elsewhere in Italy. High-speed trains from Milan, Rome, Florence, and Venice connect through Genoa (Genova), just a 30-minute train ride away. From Portofino, you can take the bus or ferry.
When to Get There
Santa Margherita Ligure is a seaside town and so is best visited during the tourist season from April through September when shops and restaurants are open. Many businesses shutter for the winter.
Cervara Abbey (La Cervara)
Along the coastal road between Santa Maria Ligure and Portofino, the 14th-century Cervara Abbey—also known as the Complesso Monumentale La Cervara, Abbazia di San Girolamo, or San Girolamo al Monte di Portofino in Italian—is a beautiful complex including a church, cloister, and gardens. The abbey is located within the confines of the Portofino Regional Park (Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino) near Paraggi Bay (Baia di Paraggi).
Address: Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
From $ 50
Santa Prassede
Not far from the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is the little Santa Prassede, a 9th-century church with stunning mosaics inside.
The Basilica of Santa Prassede was started in the late 8th century (there’s an even older church dedicated to Santa Prassede underneath it) and completed in 822 AD. The saint entombed here, Santa Prassede (or Saint Praxedes), was the daughter of the first Roman who St. Peter converted to Christianity.
The mosaics on the interior of the church are Byzantine, dating from the early 9th century, and are reminiscent of those in Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica and the churches of Ravenna. They’re dazzling in gold and bright colors.
Among the other things to see inside the church is a bust for a tomb that was sculpted by Bernini when he was only 17 years old, and the original crypt near the altar. This is where the bones of Saint Praxedes (and her sister, Saint Pudenziana) were placed when the church was completed. There is also a reliquary containing what is said to be a piece of the pillar on which Jesus was flogged before being crucified.
Practical Info
The main entrance of the church on Via di San Martino ai Monti is not the original facade, but entering through the main door allows you to see the original 9th-century facade that is now contained inside a little courtyard.
Address: Via di Santa Prassede 9, Rome, Lazio 00184, Italy
Hours: 7:30am-12pm, 4-6:30pm
From $ 41
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Visitors flock to the modest 15th-century Santa Maria delle Grazie—built by Duke Francesco I Sforza and later reworked by Bramante—primarily to take in one of Italy’s most celebrated works of Renaissance art: Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, which decorates the refectory wall of the adjoining Dominican convent.
The Basics
Da Vinci’s groundbreaking mural is among the world’s most famous masterpieces, but the convent’s church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important attraction in its own right. Built in Gothic and Romanesque styles as a private place of worship by Milan’s powerful Sforza family in 1490, the church has a brick facade decorated in a restrained pattern of pilasters and circles and a soaring Gothic nave. The great Renaissance architect Donato Bramante modified the design at the end of the 15th century, adding large semicircular apses, a striking drum-shaped dome lined by columns, and an elegant cloister and refectory.
The church is a must-see attraction, but as da Vinci’s mural can only be viewed upon advance reservation, it’s best to book a private guided tour with skip-the-line entrance to visit both the church and refectory. Many walking tours include the church along with other ara highlights, including the Duomo cathedral and nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Pinacoteca di Brera, Castello Sforzesco, and Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to see The Last Supper is only allowed every 15 minutes for groups of 30 people at a time, and reservations are mandatory. You must book your entrance ticket or a tour with skip-the-line entry in advance.
-
The Last Supper tickets include entrance to the entire Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie: church, cloister, and refectory.
- Santa Maria delle Grazie is a place of worship, so attire covering shoulders and knees is recommended.
- The church and refectory are accessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
Milano's Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is located between the Cadorna Triennale and Conciliazione metro stations, or you can walk from the Duomo in just 15 minutes.
When to Get There
Santa Maria delle Grazie is busiest in summer, so private tours or skip-the-line tickets must be booked well in advance. The refectory is closed on Mondays and holidays; the first Sunday of the month, entrance is free but still requires reservations.
The Last Supper Painting
Commissioned by Ludovico Il Moro in the late-15th century, this mural depicts Christ surrounded by the apostles in a composition featuring perspective and human emotion so revolutionary at the time that it changed the course of Renaissance art.
Address: Piazza della Maria delle Grazie 2, Milan 20100, Italy
Hours: Tue - Sun 8:15am - 6:45pm. To view The Last Supper make a reservation several days in advance
Admission: Church admission: Free. Last Supper viewing at additional charge
From $ 35
Santa Lucia Station
If you are arriving in Venice by train from another Italian or European city, you will likely catch your first glimpse of La Serenissima from the Santa Lucia Station (Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia), the city’s main train station and principal transport hub located in the Cannaregio district.
The Basics
The station’s mid-20th-century modernist building was designed by architects Angiolo Mazzoni and Virgilio Vallot, and is set directly on the north bank of the Grand Canal. If arriving for a day trip by high-speed train from Florence or Rome, you can catch the vaporetto (water bus) or a water taxi and float up the Grand Canal and under the Rialto Bridge to Piazza San Marco, where the city’s main sights are concentrated. Otherwise, you can also walk into the center of Venice either through Cannaregio—the largest and most populated of Venice’s six central districts (sestieri), and home to the historic Jewish ghetto and Ca' d'Oro Palace—or cross the Ponte degli Scalzi bridge into the Santa Croce district, where Palazzo Mocenigo, the Museum of Modern Art in Ca' Pesaro, and the San Stae church are located.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The train station has a baggage deposit, perfect if you are stopping in Venice for a day trip.
- The building is accessible for those with limited mobility, as are many of the city’s vaporetto water buses.
- There are a number of small cafés and coffee bars in and around the station for a light meal or snack.
- The public restrooms are located on the main floor of the station.
How to Get There
High-speed trains from Florence, Rome, and Milan arrive at the Santa Lucia station, as do international trains from across Europe. All cross the Ponte della Libertà bridge from the mainland to the Venetian islands.
When to Get There
Day trips to Venice by train generally arrive in the early morning hours; if you are coming to the Floating City to stay for a few days, time your arrival after sunset for a spectacular first view of Venice’s Grand Canal by night.
Mestre: Venice’s Second Train Station
The Mestre Venezia train station is the city’s second rail hub, located on the mainland. To reach the Venetian islands from Mestre, visitors must take the bus to Piazzale Roma located across the lagoon near the Santa Lucia train station.
Address: 30100 Venezia, Venice, Italy
From $ 139
Santa Maria degli Angeli
The lovely Mannerist church of Santa Maria degli Angeli was built on the plain below hilltop Assisi and was over a century in the making between 1569 and 1679. It was commissioned by Pope Pio V to accommodate the influx of pilgrims to worship at the Cappella Porziuncola, the hermitage where St Francis prayed in the early 13th century and founded the order of Franciscan monks.
Designed by Perugian architect Galeazzo Alessi, Santa Maria degli Angeli is one of the biggest Christian churches in the world, measuring a whopping 126 m (413.25 ft) long and 65 m (213.25ft) wide. It has a barnlike central nave and side aisles lined with chapels; frescoes by 18th-century artist Andrea Appiani adorn the walls of the basilica. The original 13th-century Cappella Porziuncola sits directly underneath the
great central dome, now protected from the elements for posterity. The Cappella del Transito is close by and marks the exact spot where Francis died in 1226; it displays the saint’s simple rope belt and a terracotta portrait by Andrea della Robbia, executed in 1490. Both chapels are frescoed with scenes depicting his visions.
Outside the basilica is the Rose Garden, all that remains of the forests of Monte Subasio that surrounded Francis’s hermitage. The adjacent 15th-century friary houses the Porziuncola Museum, founded by Franciscan friars in 1924 and exhibiting religious art and reliquaries from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Practical Info
Via Porziuncola 1, Assisi. Open daily 10am–12.30pm, 2pm–6pm. Admission free. Regular bus services run from the center of hilltop Assisi.
Address: Via Porziuncola 1, Assisi, Umbria 06081, Italy
Hours: Daily 10am–12.30pm, 2pm–6pm
From $ 3
Sant'Anastasia
Verona’s largest church, the impressive brick facade of Basilica Sant'Anastasia has been a fixture of the city for hundreds of years. Located in the historical center, it’s also one of the city’s finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture.
The Basics
The basilica is named after Saint Anastasia, a martyr who lived in the 4th century AD. The basilica kept the name of an earlier church that stood on the same site, although it’s also dedicated to St. Peter, one of Verona’s patron saints. Construction of the current church started in 1290 and continued for hundreds of years. In fact, the facade is still unfinished; there’s a painting above the altar that shows how the final design was meant to look.
The basilica was the main place of worship for Verona’s ruling families, including the influential Scaliger family. The interior, with its richly decorated vaulted ceiling and ornate side chapels, often features on guided tours of the city. Another highlight: the fresco of St. George and the Princess by 15th-century artist Pisanello.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to the basilica is via paid ticket, but it’s free if you’re attending mass.
- Gain combined entry into multiple attractions with the Verona Card.
- Pisanello’s famous fresco can be found above the entrance to the Pellegrini chapel.
How to Get There
The Basilica Sant'Anastasia stands on Piazza Sant'Anastasia, and it’s within walking distance of other points in central Verona. Visitors can also opt to visit the church as part of a guided bike or Segway tour. Hop-on-hop-off tour buses are also within walking distance.
When to Get There
The church is open daily; on Sundays and on holidays, it’s open only in the afternoon. It can be especially busy on weekends, so visit during the week for a quieter experience.
Visit the Scaliger Tombs
Although the Basilica Sant'Anastasia served as the Scaligers’ main church, the family also had Santa Maria Antica, a private chapel nearby. Today, this is where you can view the Scaliger tombs, which are famous for their ornate Gothic decoration. A symbol of one family’s power over the city, the tombs add an interesting depth to any visit to Verona.
Address: Vicolo Sotto Riva 4, Verona 37121, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 21
Santi Giovanni e Paolo
With a history dating back to the 4th century, the Church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo is among the oldest in Rome and, despite its rather unremarkable façade, boasts a fascinating history. The church was built on the site of the Case Romane, allegedly the former home and burial site of Roman soldiers and converted Christians John and Paul, who were beheaded at the hand of Emperor Julian the Apostate.
Today, the fabled church, extensively restored in the 12th century, stands atop Celian Hill and is acclaimed for its lavishly decorated interiors, adorned with striking frescos and glittering chandeliers. The real highlight though, lies beneath the church – the excavated ruins of the ancient Claudianum and the Case Romane, which offer a fascinating glimpse into Roman life.
Practical Info
Santi Giovanni e Paolo is located on Piazza dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo in central Rome and is open daily from 8am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm.
Address: Piazza dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Rome 00184, Italy
Hours: 8am-1pm, 3-6pm
From $ 43
Sant'Anna dei Lombardi
The 15th-century church Sant’Anna dei Lombardi, also known as Santa Maria di Monte Oliveto, is home to some of Naples' best art. With Baroque paintings and an impressive collection of Renaissance sculptures, the church's unassuming exterior gives way to intricately-decorated ceilings and elaborately-adorned walls that evoke feelings of marvel and beauty like a small-scale Sistine Chapel.
Don’t miss the elaborate sacristy, which was done by Giorgio Vasari, or the beautiful chapel at the back of the church—a crowd-favorite. Walk through the building to enter the courtyard, which is adorned with a bronze sculpture of Charles II of Spain and what is considered to be one of the most beautiful fountains in Italy.
There are many churches in Naples, and many of them are worth a visit. Consider livening up your visit to Sant'Anna dei Lombardi on a private Vespa or Fiat 500 tour of Naples' most famous sights.
Practical Info
Sant'Anna dei Lombardi is located in Piazza Monteoliveto, in the center of Naples. The nearest metro station is Toledo.
The church is open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 1:30pm and from 2pm to 4pm. It is open Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 6pm. The church is free to enter, but a EUR 5 donation will get you into areas that are currently being restored.
Address: Piazza Monteoliveto, 4, Naples 80134, Italy
Hours: Mon–Thu: 10am–1:30pm & 2–4pm; Fri & Sat: 2–6pm
From $ 39