The Cathedral of Lucca, dedicated to San Martino, is located on the square of the same name in a neighboring area of the city, in accordance with urban planning knowledge from Roman times. Contrary to its importance, Lucca Cathedral overlooks a small square and other buildings lean on its structure.
According to tradition, the first church of S.Martino was built on behalf of S.Frediano, the bishop of Lucca who died in 588. It was then rebuilt in 1070 by order of Pope Alexander II (1061-1073), who solemnly consecrated it in the presence of Countess Mathilde of Canossa.
Towards the end of the 12th century, the third and final reconstruction of the church began with the reorganization of the facade: the work, which continued in alternating phases, only ended in 1637 with the completion of the sanctuary chapel. Many builders succeeded each other at the helm of the construction site over the centuries: worth mentioning is Antonio Pardini da Pietrasanta (1395-1419), who gave the building its current form.
The interior of the church is rich in important works of art: from the relief of the Descent from the Cross by Nicola Pisano (ca. 1220-ca. 1280) to the funerary monuments Da Noceto and Bertini by Matteo Civitali (1436-1501), and among the paintings the Madonna with child and saints by Domenico Ghirlandaio(1449-1494) to the Last Supper by Tintoretto (1518-1594).
However, two masterpieces in particular stand out: the ancient crucifix of the Holy Face (or Holy Cross) and the funerary monument of Ilaria del Carretto by Jacopo della Quercia (ca. 1374 – 1438).
Opening hours:
Summer from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m
Winter from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m
Illuminated particularly beautifully at night.