St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is one of the largest churches in the world and the centre of the Catholic Church. It was built between 1506 and 1626 over the tomb of Saint Peter. Michelangelo designed its great dome. Inside are Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's bronze baldachin. Bernini's colonnade embraces St. Peter's Square in front.

The Vatican Museums hold one of the greatest art collections in the world, gathered by the popes over centuries. Highlights include the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps and classical sculptures such as the Laocoön. The visit ends in the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo painted the ceiling and The Last Judgement. A famous double spiral staircase leads out.

The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral of Rome and the oldest of the four major basilicas, founded in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine. It is the seat of the Pope as Bishop of Rome. Its grand facade is crowned by huge statues of Christ and the saints. The Holy Stairs, which pilgrims climb on their knees, stand nearby.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four major papal basilicas of Rome. Founded in the 5th century, it keeps much of its original structure and is famous for its early Christian mosaics. Its bell tower is the tallest in Rome. Pope Francis was buried here in 2025. Each August a shower of white petals recalls a legend of snow.

Orvieto Cathedral stands in a town built on a cliff of volcanic rock in Umbria. Building began in 1290. Its Gothic facade glows with gold mosaics, carvings and a rose window. Inside, the San Brizio Chapel has dramatic frescoes of the Last Judgement by Luca Signorelli. The cathedral walls are striped in black and white stone.

The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Umbria was built from 1228, two years after the death of Saint Francis, and holds his tomb. It has two churches built one above the other. Their walls are decorated with frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue and others, including the famous cycle of the life of Saint Francis. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Urbino is a hill town in the Marche region and a centre of the Italian Renaissance. Its Ducal Palace was built for Duke Federico da Montefeltro in the 15th century and now holds the National Gallery of the Marche. The painter Raphael was born here, and his house is a museum. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna was completed in 547 and is one of the most important examples of early Christian Byzantine art. Its interior is covered with brilliant mosaics, including portraits of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora. The small Mausoleum of Galla Placidia nearby has a starry blue mosaic ceiling. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Two Towers are the symbol of Bologna, built in the 12th century by rival families. The taller Asinelli Tower is about 97 metres high, and its 498 steps lead to a view over the city's red roofs. The shorter Garisenda Tower leans strongly. Bologna once had many such towers, and its streets are lined with long porticoes.

Piazza Maggiore is the main square of Bologna, surrounded by the Basilica of San Petronio, the town hall and other medieval palaces. San Petronio is one of the largest churches in the world, with an unfinished facade and a long sundial line on its floor. The Fountain of Neptune stands in the adjoining square.