Lucca
The Cathedral of San Martino in Lucca - a typical example of Gothic and Romanesque style!
The Cathedral of San Martino, with the "flawed" porch and its facade decorated with small columns, is located in the square that has the same name.
Consecrated in 1070 by Pope Alexander, the church underwent several reconstruction operations, and the last regarded the facade, ending in 1637 with the construction of the Chapel of the Shrine. It contains two works of art, symbols of the city: the sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto, a masterpiece by Jacopo della Quercia, and the wooden crucifix called "Holy Face" that is the prestigious protagonis of the Holy Cross celebrations, an important event that traditionaly takes place on the 14th of September in Lucca.
The faced of the Cathedral is inspired by the Cathedral of Pisa, but it has been enriched by particular elements linked to the Romanesque style of Lucca by Guidetto da Como in 1204. Polycrhrome marbles recall the Pisan architectural style with three arches supported by carved and decorated pillars.
Lucca is an amazing city and with its traffic restricted historic center, the beautiful walls where one can take a walk or ride a bike, it offers much to discover and a place to enjoy local lifestyle, and great dining.
Michelle
