Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Piazza San Martino; sacristy adult/reduced €3/2, with cathedral museum & Chiesa dei SS Giovanni e Re-
parata €7/5; 7am-6pm summer, to 5pm winter; sacristy 9.30am-4.45pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am-6.45pm Sat,
11.30am-5pm Sun)
Lucca's predominantly Romanesque cathedral dates to the start of the
11th century. Its stunning facade was constructed in the prevailing Lucca-Pisan style and
was designed to accommodate the pre-existing
campanile.
The reliefs over the left door-
way of the portico are believed to be by Nicola Pisano.
The cathedral interior was rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries with a Gothic flourish.
The
Volto Santo
(literally 'Holy Countenance') is not to be missed. Legend has it this
simply fashioned image of a dark-skinned, life-sized Christ on a wooden crucifix was
carved by Nicodemus, who witnessed the crucifixion. In fact, the sculpture has recently
been dated to the 13th century. A major object of pilgrimage, it is carried in procession
through the streets on 13 September each year at dusk during the Luminaria di Santa
Croce, a solemn torchlit procession marking its miraculous arrival in Lucca.
The cathedral's many other works of art include a magnificent
Last Supper
by Tintor-
etto above the third altar of the south aisle and Domenico Ghirlandaio's 1479
Madonna
Enthroned with Saints.
This impressive work by Michelangelo's master is currently loc-
ated in the
sacristy
. Opposite lies the exquisite, gleaming marble memorial to Ilaria del
Carretto carved by Jacopo della Quercia in 1407. The young second wife of the 15th-cen-
tury lord of Lucca, Paolo Guinigi, Ilaria died in childbirth aged only 24. At her feet lies
her faithful dog.
Chiesa e Battistero dei
SS Giovanni e Reparata
CHURCH
(Piazza San Giovanni; adult/reduced €4/3, with cathedral museum & sacristy €7/5; 10am-6pm summer,
to 5pm Sat & Sun winter)
The 12th-century interior of this deconsecrated church is a haunt-
ingly atmospheric setting for summertime
opera recitals
; buy tickets in advance inside the
chaeological area comprising five building levels going back to the Roman period. End
with a hike up the red-brick
campanile
- what a view!
CHURCH
Chiesa di San Michele in Foro
