Religion
Refine your search
There are 20 Regions that offer Religious as an holiday type, choose one from the list below to view the relevant tour operators:
Join our Mailing List
Sign up for News and Special Offers by submitting your email address:
Religious Information
Almost 85 per cent of Italy’s population is Catholic. Sunday mass is celebrated throughout the country, while in the principal churches services are also held in the week.
Before Christianity gained a firm grip on the people of Italy, ancient Romans worshipped a series of gods and goddesses. There were so many gods and goddesses that each one had a particular role in governing various areas of worshippers' lives. For example, the goddess Juno was believed to watch over the women of Rome, and it was to Juno that they prayed for guidance, along with Minerva, who was known as the goddess of wisdom. Mars was considered an important god because he ruled over the wars, and Jupiter was the god of the sky.
Of course, as Christianity was gradually introduced into various areas of Rome, the need for these gods and goddesses invariably faded out. The Roman Catholic Church is obviously considered the most powerful church in Italy, and with good reason. The Vatican, otherwise known as the Holy See, is located in Rome, and this is where the Pope, who is the head of the church, resides. The history of the Roman Catholic Church is based as much on politics as it is on religion, and in some ways this holds true today.
No visit to Italy would be complete without stopping by some of the most beautiful cathedrals and churches in the world. Even if you're not religious, these architectural masterpieces demand your attention just due to their history and their simplicity.
Why not visit the Monte Cassino at the Basilica Cathedral. Situated inside the Abbey of Monte Cassino located between Rome and Naple, this historical place has seen the best and the worst of humanity over the centuries. Or you could visit the oldest church in Florence, San Lorenzo in Florence. Inside the church itself you can view many historical masterpieces, including such pieces as "The Wedding of the Virgin" by Fiorentino and "The Martyrdom of St. Lawrence" by Bronzino.