Italy: San Gimignano – Duomo di San Gimignano

Often referred to as Duomo di San Gimignano aka cathedral, this is actually just a church, Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, in the heart of the medieval town of San Gimignano. The Romanesque church was consecrated in 1148 and is world-famous for its exceptional frescos in all walks and ceilings. It is rather simple looking outside, but the interior is just totally mind-blowing – a treasure trove of medieval art, particularly frescoes that are among the finest in Tuscany. The left wall has frescoes describing the Old Testament and painted in 1367, the right wall has the scenes from the New Testament and paint a few years later, and finally the entrance wall describes the Last Judgement. The frescoes reflect the rivalry between Siena and Florence, with Sienese artists dominating the decoration. The church was a canvas for wealthy families to display their status, commissioning works from leading artists.