The superb Lucca Cathedral (In Italian: Duomo di San Martino) is a remarkable example of Romanesque Renaissance architecture. Its construction would go back to the end of the 6th century AD, and rebuilt at the end of the 11th and the work was to follow until the 17th.
Its facade in polychrome marbles, inspired by that of the cathedral of Pisa, surprises with its lack of symmetry. It was built to fit the existing bell tower. However, it is a masterpiece of Romanesque art.
Description of the exterior
The façade features a statue of Saint Martin, under the portico with rich reliefs, including scenes from the life of Saint Martin on the portal, or a relief of a labyrinth recalling the story of Ariadne and Theseus on the pillar near the bell tower. It is also considered a symbol of pilgrimage: this work is considered to be related to the Templars, strongly recalling the labyrinth of the ground of the Chartres Cathedral.
In the lunette at the left entrance we admire the Deposition of Nicola Pisano from 1260.
Under the portico, a monumental inscription that reminds currency changers not to scam customers. There were indeed the money-changers’ stalls used by pilgrims on the Via Francigena.
Inside the Cathedral
The Gothic interior preserves works of great interest, such as Ghirlandaio’s Madonna with Child and Saints or Ilaria del Carretto’s marble monument sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia in the early 15th century.
There is also an ancient wooden crucifix that would represent the true face of Christ attributed to Saint Nicodemus (placed in a 15th century temple, considered the oldest representation of Christ in the West), the Last Supper of the Tintoret, etc.
You can climb the steps of the bell tower to enjoy the view from its 60 meters high.
The Museo della Cattedrale di Lucca near the cathedral has eight rooms with the choir room and illuminated codices or the Treasury room.
The Funeral monument of Ilaria del Carretto is another precious work by Jacopo della Quercia between 1406 and 1408: a true marble masterpiece. It depicts the young wife of Paolo Guinigi, who died very young as a result of his second birth, lying and sleeping with a puppy at her feet.
Where is Lucca Cathedral, map
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Links and sources
- General informations : en.wikipedia.org
- Site officiel : www.museocattedralelucca.it
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