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.

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.

Great cocktails, beer and the first place that adds onto to a Hugo. Bar and restaurant has a…read morefantastic view of the Chiesa di San Michele in Foro cathedral and plaza.

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 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.

This almost 800 years old church of Saint John the Baptist in a small alley on the bottom of…read moreMonterosso Al Mare village in UNESCO protected Cinque Terre, Italy was such a treat. The combination of black and white stone looks very dramatic, almost hypnotic, it absolutely captures your attention. Life and death, good and evil, it makes you wonder is it for pure decorative purpose or is it a hint on duality of life. Entrance:free and open to public Time spent:5-10 minutes

The parish church of San Giovanni Battista is located in a small Piazza don Giovanni Minzoni, right…read morenext to Piazza Garibaldi. The church was built between the 13th and 14th century, completed in 1307, and later renovated in Baroque era. The facade features the signature two-tone white and dark serpentine facing, a large rose window of white marble under which is the main portal. An English language brochure explains further details. They also sell a Church calendar inside for those who would like an interesting souvenir and a way to keep up with all the Holy Days. The associated bell tower was originally a watchtower, part of the fortification built by the Republic of Genova in the 13th century. In the 15th century the tower was raised, and partially rebuilt in the 18th after an earthquake. The Church also sustained extensive damage during the 2011 mudslides and I wouldn't have known that by just my brief visit here. It's a testament to the Community regarding their hard working and successful efforts bring their Village back to full strength.

Chiesa di San Pietro looks like something straight out of a dramatic fantasy movie --…read moreblack-and-white stripes, jagged cliffs, and the sea exploding around it. It's tiny, ancient, and perched in the most unreal spot imaginable. Step inside for two minutes, soak in the stone arches and quiet, then walk out to the terrace for that jaw-drop view where the ocean basically slaps the rocks below. It's quick, it's iconic, and it's honestly one of the coolest little churches you'll ever stumble into.

This is a small church on top of a hill located on the tip of Porto Venere. The view is…read morebreathtaking! I would love to visit again. It was easy and cheap to get to by bus from where we're staying in La Spezia. Plan your meals accordingly when you visit bec the restaurants are close for siesta. It's nice to spend a day here.