Visiting Churches In Italy

Gabe said:
I meant they would only be open for services as smaller churches can't be manned all the time. Churches in big towns or cities will be open all day, but they will have a sign stating what times services are on and ask any visitors to respect that and not to visit or to take photos. You can go in, but wandering around to look would not be the right thing to do.
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Oh, thanks for the clarification. Actually, if it is Catholic Church, I would prefer to go to Mass, when visiting a church. But, this would probably limit the number of churches I could visit to Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Unless, of course, in Italy Mass is held on a daily basis. Churches in the U.S. use to be like that, but not so much anymore, that I am aware of, at least.
 
Italian churches are masterpieces as artists were commissioned to create these houses of God. Religion was the center of everything for much or the periods when churches were built in the extravagant manners. Wealthy families and the government were willing to donate to the making of these iconic churches. The Renaissance period churches are probably the most visited and must see sights.
 
I guess this also brings another aspect for the churches to think about. While a church is a religious place and primarily a place of worship, it's also a good way of generating income if they are more open to let tourists in. I guess it's finding that fine line of making sure it doesn't impact too much on what the church was built for, a place of worship rather than a money making or tourist site.
 
pwarbi said:
I guess this also brings another aspect for the churches to think about. While a church is a religious place and primarily a place of worship, it's also a good way of generating income if they are more open to let tourists in. I guess it's finding that fine line of making sure it doesn't impact too much on what the church was built for, a place of worship rather than a money making or tourist site.
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I would say churches are tolerant of tourists rather than wanting money as many people don't give donations to be honest. Many churches struggle (small ones) and it's not income generating at all. Because it is a place of worship the doors are open and they can't stop people from coming in. If anything most churches try to limit visitors rather than encourage so there are a few hours only to visit outside of services.
 
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Churches are definitely an integral part of Italian history, and if you're visiting the country, the churches definitely should be seen. Many are small, calm and peaceful, while others are large and have intricate and complex works of art on the ceilings. When we visited Italy, we got to see the Sistine Chapel. It's so incredibly long, but definitely worth the walk. The ceilings are so ornately decorated. Definitely worth a visit.
 
I dint think anybody can go to Italy and not visit at least a few churches, even though they might not have any interest in religion. As others have already said, they're an integral part of the history of the country.

As long as people are respectful of the fact it's a place of worship, I think churches are relatively welcoming for tourists as they will expect people to visit.
 
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