Chiese - Churches

Chiesa, cathedral, basilica, duomo - They are always on the "to see" list of every town. They are amazing to see. Although at times you can go on overload. They range from small, chapel size, to enormous edifices like the duomo in Milano. 

Most towns of size have at least one (usually only one prominent) duomo. It is "The Duomo." It has an actual dome which is usually covered on the inside with frescos or scenes. Many have art works from famous painters from the 1400s to the 1700s. Many sculptures from the same periods by famous artisans and often all or part of the buildings were designed by a famous designer/architectusually  commissioned for the work.

I will try to add some pics to give examples. I will probably break the pics into 2 or 3 posts so they will load. 

These first two pics are of a small church in Gropello Cairoli. It has a small dome but the art was terrific. 

These two pics show contrast of size. This is "The Doumo" in Pavia. Each nave in this chiesa is as large as a chapel. Often one of the naves has a small service going on, or people are praying. One thing that is constant over all of them is the quiet reverence while you are there. They expect you to be quiet, respectful, and reverential at all times and most do not allow flash photography. The pic below is to give perspective. Denise is standing by one of many pillas in this massive duomo. Each nave is fairly ornate.