Itinerari

Catedral de San Martino

Outside Hotel Universo, turn left and take Via Duomo and continue straight to Piazza San Martino.

St. Frediano had it built in the 6th century, but there are no traces left of the early layout. All of the following interventions can be seen in this monument. Noteworthy in the relief of the Deposition attributed to Nicola Pisano (1278-1287). There are many fascinating works: the fonts, the altar of St. Regulus by Matteo Civitali of 1498; the Last Supper by Jacopo Tintoretto; the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, wife of Paolo Guinigi, who died at the age of 26 in 1405; a masterpiece by Jacopo della Quercia; an altarpiece by Ghirlandaio. Right at the center of the nave we find the Chapel of the Volto Santo (Holy Face), it too by Matteo Civitali, and, on the altar, the Crucifix of the Volto Santo, one of the greatest masterpieces in sacred wooden sculpture. According to the legend, Nicodemus carved it using the wood of a cedar of Lebanon. The crucifix was then loaded on a boat that crossed the Mediterranean to reach Lucca. Lucca has a strong bond with the crucifix, which is celebrated on September 13th with a huge and breathtaking procession through the city's streets.

Cathedral Museum

It faces Piazza Antelminelli. You can admire collections from the Cathedral and from the Church of Santi Giovanni e Reparata. Illuminated manuscripts, Paolo Guinigi's crucifix of the Pisans, paintings, sculptures and jewelry dating back to Lucca's Renaissance and vestments and church plate.