Think a religious pilgrimage has to mean blisters and backpacking? Not in Italy! Here, you can soak up centuries of faith, art, and architecture — all without sacrificing modern comfort.
Board a train, and watch Italy’s stunning countryside unfold as you head straight into the heart of its most sacred cities and iconic religious sites. Let’s map out your journey to enlightenment!
1. Vatican City — Rome, Italy
Nearest station: Roma San Pietro
Vatican City stands at the heart of Catholicism, making it a must-visit Catholic church in Italy for those seeking artistic grandeur and spiritual significance. Show up early to breeze through security and catch the morning light glinting off St. Peter’s dome. Inside the Vatican Museums, go beyond the Sistine Chapel — although Michelangelo’s ceiling is well worth the neck-crick — and discover lesser-known galleries. Consider climbing the dome for a panoramic view of Rome that’s tough to beat.
2. Duomo di Milano – Milan, Italy
Nearest station: Milano Centrale
The Duomo di Milano took nearly 600 years to shape, and it shows in every marble carving and intricate spire. Visit in late afternoon when the setting sun turns its façade a soft, welcoming pink. For a real adventure, climb up top to stroll among the statues and get a rooftop look at Milan’s modern skyline. It’s all just a short walk or Metro ride from Milano Centrale. Afterward, treat yourself to an espresso or a scoop of gelato in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to cap off your cathedral tour in style.
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Image Credit: Getty Images, Francesco Vaninetti Photo. Image Location: Milan, Italy
3. San Gimignano, Italy
Nearest station: Poggibonsi-San Gimignano
San Gimignano’s cluster of medieval towers rises from the Tuscan landscape like ancient skyscrapers. Within the old walls, the Church of Sant’Agostino, adorned with Benozzo Gozzoli’s vibrant frescoes, and the Foresteria del Monastero di S. Girolamo, a serene Benedictine monastery dating back centuries, reward those who time their visit outside the peak tour hours. From the station, hop a local bus winding through olive groves and vineyards. Afterwards, indulge in a glass of Vernaccia, the region’s signature white wine, to savor the moment.
4. Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore — Rome, Italy
Nearest station: Roma Termini
Just a brisk walk from Termini, this papal basilica brims with shimmering mosaics and marble floors polished to a mirror shine. Legend credits a miraculous August snowfall for its founding spot, adding an unexpected twist to its rich history. Admire relics believed to be from the Holy Crib as you take in the grandeur and intricate artwork, feeling both humbled and intrigued by all that’s survived here through the centuries.
5. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore — Florence, Italy
Nearest station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella
Florence’s cathedral, crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome, is an engineering marvel that still amazes visitors today. Be sure to book Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Climb between the dome’s inner and outer shells for an up-close look at Vasari’s frescoes before emerging to citywide views that stretch across terra-cotta rooftops. A short stroll from the station, the route offers plenty of gelato stops to sweeten the journey.
6. St. Mark’s Basilica — Venice, Italy
Nearest station: Venezia Santa Lucia
St. Mark’s Basilica glistens with golden mosaics, and the Pala d’Oro altar panel, studded with gems, lives up to the hype. Visit early or late to avoid peak crowds and get a better look at Byzantine details that make this church so distinctive. Arrive via vaporetto from Venezia Santa Lucia, gliding past graceful palazzi and under stone bridges, making the trip itself part of the Venetian experience.
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7. Padova, Italy
Nearest station: Padova
Padova (Padua) is home to the Basilica of Saint Anthony, a major pilgrimage site with magnificent frescoes and marble-clad chapels that draw visitors seeking solace. Just a short walk from the basilica is the Basilica of Santa Giustina, another grand church overlooking the tranquil Prato della Valle. As evening falls, settle into a café chair, Aperol Spritz in hand, and soak up the lively hum of university life in this ancient city.
8. Holy Shroud — Turin, Italy
Nearest station: Torino Porta Nuova
Turin’s Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist quietly preserves the mystique surrounding the Holy Shroud. Even if you don’t catch a rare display of the relic, the cathedral’s hush and soft light invite reflection. Nearby, consider visiting the Royal Church of San Lorenzo, known for its striking Baroque architecture and unique dome designed by Guarini. From Torino Porta Nuova, it’s an easy stroll through elegant arcades to these spiritual landmarks, where centuries of faith and history are woven into the city’s fabric.
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9. Siena Cathedral — Siena, Italy
Nearest station: Siena
Siena’s cathedral, with its bold black-and-white stripes, sometimes lifts the veil on its intricate marble floors like a special surprise. Inside, you’ll find Donatello and Bernini’s sculptures sharing space with gorgeous stained glass. After soaking up its Gothic charm, head to the nearby Basilica of San Domenico to see Saint Catherine’s relics and feel the city’s mystical energy. From the station, it’s just a short bus or taxi ride to step straight into the Middle Ages — only here, you can always duck into a cozy café for a slice of panforte and enjoy the sweet side of spiritual tourism.
10. Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi — Assisi, Italy
Nearest station: Assisi
Assisi slows things down, and after a short bus ride from the station, the Basilica of Saint Francis presents Giotto’s frescoes that have inspired countless visitors. Nearby chapels dedicated to Saint Clare and quiet cobblestone streets create a mood that leaves plenty of room for personal thought. Before returning, sample local olive oil and truffle-infused dishes to appreciate Umbria’s down-to-earth flavors.
11. Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari — Venice, Italy
Nearest station: Venezia Santa Lucia
Tucked away from Venice’s busiest spots, this Franciscan church shelters Titian’s masterpieces and grand tombs in a calm environment. It’s a short walk from the station through narrow alleys and over small bridges. Outside, the neighborhood hums gently, and you can pause at a canal-side café to unwind, feeling far removed from the Saint Mark’s crowds.
12. Pisa Cathedral — Pisa, Italy
Nearest station: Pisa Centrale
Before angling your camera at the Leaning Tower, spend a few quiet minutes inside Pisa Cathedral, where Romanesque elegance sets a different tone from the tower’s playful tilt. From Pisa Centrale, the route is straightforward — just follow the flow of visitors. After you’ve admired the cathedral’s frescoes and marble pulpit, go ahead and snap that classic leaning pose. The crowd will understand.
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Image Credit: Getty Images, David Soanes Photography. Image Location: Pisa, Italy.
13. St. Padre Pio Shrine — San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
Nearest station: Foggia
From Foggia, a bus heads into the Gargano hills, delivering you to the sanctuary honoring Padre Pio. Though modern, the site keeps a calm, reflective atmosphere that many find comforting. If you’ve got extra time, explore the nearby countryside at a slow pace. The combination of natural beauty and spiritual focus creates a refreshing break from day-to-day bustle.
14. Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro — Bologna, Italy
Nearest station: Bologna Centrale
Bologna’s cathedral may not dominate postcards, but it holds its own with understated elegance. Within walking distance of the station, it’s an easy detour before diving into the city’s famed food scene. Admire the Baroque details, step outside, and in minutes, you can be twirling your fork into fresh tagliatelle al ragù at a nearby trattoria.
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15. The Holy House of Loreto — Loreto, Italy
Nearest station: Loreto
Loreto’s sanctuary has drawn pilgrims for centuries with claims of Mary’s home resting inside its walls. Regardless of whether angels actually moved it, the place stirs curiosity and reverence. After a short bus ride from the station, take time to absorb its atmosphere. With the Adriatic coast not too far, you could combine spiritual reflection with a seaside walk if time permits.
16. Basilica of Santa Rita da Cascia — Cascia, Italy
Nearest station: Spoleto, then bus
Catching a bus from Spoleto, you’re soon in Cascia, known for its devotion to Santa Rita, patron saint of seemingly impossible requests. The basilica’s quiet interior encourages a deep breath and a slower heartbeat. Afterward, wander the town’s narrow lanes, pick up some local honey or cheese, and notice how even the smallest details feel more vivid at a gentle pace.
17. Trento Cathedral — Trento, Italy
Nearest station: Trento
With the Alps on the horizon, Trento’s cathedral merges Romanesque foundations with Gothic accents. The interior feels crisp and welcoming, and once outside, you can stroll through historic piazzas sampling regional wines or apple strudel. The station sits close enough that you can come and go without fuss, enjoying a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural depth.
18. Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel — Monte Sant’Angelo, Italy
Nearest station: Foggia, then bus
High in the Gargano region, this cave sanctuary linked to the Archangel Michael adds mystery to the landscape. Descend into the cavern and note centuries of worship etched into the stone. Outside, sweeping coastal views remind you that Italy’s spiritual history is as layered as its geography. Buses from Foggia aren’t flashy, but they’ll get you there — and the trip is half the fun.
19. Basilica of Saint Nicholas — Bari, Italy
Nearest station: Bari Centrale
In Bari’s old town, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas houses relics of the saint who inspired countless legends. A quick walk from Bari Centrale leads you into a maze of lanes where residents still roll fresh pasta on their doorsteps. After visiting the basilica, treat yourself to focaccia Barese, and let the southern warmth and casual kindness of the locals shape your memory of this spiritual stop.
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20. Santuario della Madonna del Rosario di Pompei — Pompeii, Italy
Nearest station: Pompei
A few steps from Pompeii’s archaeological site, this sanctuary provides a striking contrast to ancient ruins with its ongoing religious life. Inside, richly detailed frescoes and chapels offer moments of calm reflection. Afterward, explore the famous ruins to connect yesterday’s stories with today’s faith traditions. It’s a simple walk or quick taxi from the station, tying together layers of history that still hit home today.
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If you’re wondering where to visit in Italy for a spiritual and historical journey, these religious cities in Italy are easily reached by train. Download the Trainline app and start exploring sustainably, smoothly, and soulfully!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Busà Photography. Image Location: Duomo di Firenze, Florence, Italy