Lucca Cathedral

About this place

Lucca Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours in Lucca, Italy. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Lucca. A church was built on the site in the 6th century and at the beginning of the 8th century, the seat of the bishop was transferred from the church of San Reparto to the current site. The most precious relic in Lucca, the Holy Face of Lucca according to legend carved by a contemporary of Jesus and through a series of miraculous events arrived in the church in 782. Construction of the current cathedral was begun in 1060 by Bishop Anselm. It was consecrated by Pope Alexander in 1070. As you explore, compare the building itself with its decoration and later additions. Differences in materials, forms and imagery can reveal successive periods of patronage, making the visit a way to understand how religious places evolved over time.