If you’re a fan of Michelangelo, then a trip to Italy is a must. Home to some of the world’s most famous works of art, the country is a veritable treasure trove for fans of the great artist. From the Sistine Chapel to the Baptistery of San Giovanni, there are plenty of opportunities to explore Michelangelo’s works of art. Here are 12 of the most incredible places to see his art in Italy.
1. Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
Few artworks are as iconic or as well-known as Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings in the Sistine Chapel. Spanning a total area of over 12,000 square feet, the massive fresco cycle depicts nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the famous Creation of Adam.
Completed in 1512, the project took four years to complete and involved the use of over 300 tons of plaster. Today, the Sistine Chapel is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Address: 00120 Vatican City
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2. Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the largest churches in Rome and it is home to some of the most impressive artworks by Michelangelo. The first thing that visitors see when they enter the church is the magnificent altar, which was sculpted by Michelangelo from a single slab of marble.
The altarpiece depicts the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, with Jesus Christ and a host of angels surrounding her. In addition, Michelangelo also designed the imposing bronze doors of the church, which are adorned with scenes from the Old Testament.
Visitors can also see Michelangelo’s 15th-century Pieta in the basilica, which is considered by many to be one of his finest works. With its beautiful artwork and rich history, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is a must-see for anyone visiting Rome.
Address: P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy
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3. Campidoglio, Rome
Michelangelo is one of the most celebrated artists in history, and his artworks are renowned for their beauty and technical mastery. The Campidoglio, or Capitoline Hill, is one of the most significant historical sites in Rome, and it is home to a number of Michelangelo’s masterpieces.
The Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, features an impressive fountain at its center, flanked by two staircases leading up to the Palazzo Senatorio. This former government building now houses the Capitoline Museum, which contains a number of artworks by Michelangelo, including the famous statue of Marcus Aurelius.
The Palazzo dei Conservatori, another Renaissance building on the Campidoglio, also contains a number of Michelangelo’s sculptures, as well as a large collection of Roman antiquities. The Campidoglio is a must-see for any fan of Michelangelo’s work.
Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
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4. Church of Sant’Angelo in Formis, Capua
The Church of Sant’Angelo in Formis is home to some of the most incredible artworks by Michelangelo. The frescoes in the apse depict scenes from the life of Christ, and the paintings on the side walls depict the stories of Saint James and Saint Christopher.
Michelangelo also designed the massive bronze doors for the church, which feature reliefs of scenes from the Old Testament. Every inch of this church is a masterpiece, and it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Capua. If you’re ever in the area, check out these incredible artworks by Michelangelo.
Address: Via L Baia, 120, 81043 Sant’Angelo In Formis CE, Italy
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5. Church of Santa Croce, Florence
The Church of Santa Croce in Florence is home to several artworks by Michelangelo, one of the most renowned artists of the Renaissance. Among these are his two statues of Moses, which were completed in 1515. These statues are regarded as some of Michelangelo’s finest works, and their scale and grandeur are truly staggering.
Visitors to the church can also see his Pietà, which was completed in 1499. This sculpture depicts the body of Christ being cradled by the Virgin Mary, and it is widely considered to be one of the most moving and beautiful works of art ever created. With its countless treasures, the Church of Santa Croce is a must-see for anyone interested in the art of Michelangelo.
Address: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
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6. Cathedral of Orvieto, Orvieto
The Cathedral of Orvieto is home to some of the most stunning artworks by Michelangelo. The intricate designs and sheer size of the pieces are truly breathtaking.
Each artwork is a masterpiece in its own right, and together they create a sense of awe and wonder. Visitors to the cathedral will be amazed by the skill and talent of Michelangelo, and they will be able to appreciate his art in a new light.
The artworks at the Cathedral of Orvieto are truly a sight to behold, and they are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who see them.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 26, 05018 Orvieto TR, Italy
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7. The Last Supper, Milan
Michelangelo’s The Last Supper is one of the most iconic paintings in the world. The work depicts the biblical scene of the last supper when Jesus and his disciples shared a final meal before his crucifixion.
The painting is huge, measuring 14 feet by 29 feet, and it is full of emotion and drama. The disciples are shown reacting in a variety of ways to Jesus’ news that one of them will betray him, from horror and disbelief to confusion and sorrow.
Michelangelo masterfully captures the intense feelings of the moment, making The Last Supper one of the most powerful and moving works of art ever created.
8. Medici Chapel, Florence
Few artists have had as profound an impact on the history of art as Michelangelo. A master of sculpture, painting, and architecture, his work has shaped the Western artistic tradition for centuries.
The Medici Chapel in Florence is home to some of his most famous sculptures, including the magnificent “La Pietà” and the powerful “David-Apollo.” These works are a testament to Michelangelo’s genius, and they continue to inspire awe and wonder in all who see them.
Address: Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
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9. Moses, Rome
Michelangelo’s Moses is one of the most renowned sculptures in Rome. The work is over five meters tall and is situated at the entrance to the church of San Pietro in Vincoli.
The sculpture was originally commissioned as part of a much larger project to decorate the tomb of Pope Julius II. However, Michelangelo worked on the statue for over 40 years, and it was never completed. Despite this, the sculpture remains one of the most impressive works of art in Rome.
Visitors to the city can’t help but be impressed by the scale and detail of the work. The statue is an excellent example of Michelangelo’s skill as a sculptor, and it is no wonder that it remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome.
Address: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 4/a, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
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10. Laurentian Library, Florence
The Laurentian Library in Florence is home to some of Michelangelo’s most well-known artworks. The massive complex was commissioned by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, and Michelangelo was tasked with creating a series of paintings and sculptures for the library’s grand reading room.
Among the artist’s most famous works on display at the Laurentian Library are the “Ignudi” paintings, which adorn the ceiling of the reading room. These life-size figures were designed to represent the ideal human form, and their beauty is truly breathtaking.
Also on view are a number of Michelangelo’s statues, including his iconic “David” sculpture. A visit the Laurentian Library is a must for any fan of Michelangelo.
Address: Piazza San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
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11. Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
The Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is home to some of the most famous artworks by Michelangelo. These include the Pietà, the statue of Moses, and the Sistine Chapel ceiling. The Pietà is a marble sculpture of Mary holding the dead body of Jesus.
It is considered one of Michelangelo’s masterpieces and is one of the most popular works of art in the world. The statue of Moses was sculpted for the tomb of Pope Julius II.
It depicts Moses with horns on his head, a reference to a passage in the Bible. The Sistine Chapel ceiling is perhaps the most iconic of all Michelangelo’s works. It features a series of frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible, including the Creation and the Last Judgement.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
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12. Baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence
The Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence is home to some of the most famous artworks by Michelangelo. The exterior of the building is decorated with a series of panels depicting scenes from the life of John the Baptist, while the interior is adorned with a stunning mosaic floor.
Perhaps the most iconic feature of the Baptistery, however, is the massive bronze door designed by Michelangelo. The door, which weighs over two tons, is covered with intricate reliefs that tell the story of Creation.
Visitors to the Baptistery can also see Michelangelo’s “Pietà” – a marble sculpture of Mary cradling the body of her son Jesus. This moving work of art is widely considered to be one of Michelangelo’s finest Pietàs.
Address: Piazza San Giovanni, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
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In Conclusion
Michelangelo was a master artist who created some of the most iconic works of art in history. From his monumental sculptures to his stunning frescoes, Michelangelo’s art is truly breathtaking. Seeing these artworks up close is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of Michelangelo’s genius.
