The Cathedral of San Martino, also known simply as Lucca Cathedral, is an imposing Romanesque-Gothic church in the historic center of the Tuscan city
The Cathedral is a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles and, like many an Italian church, has been altered and added to repeatedly over the centuries. It has a pretty polychrome marble facade that reminds one of Pisa's Cathedral but with the additions of bas-reliefs and representations dedicated to St. Martin, the patron saint of both the Cathedral and town. There is also a portico with three arches where it’s said that pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena went to trade with money changers, Lucca being an important pilgrim destination and a point of connection along the route. The building is home to the famous Holy Face of Lucca, a wooden, robed Christ on a crucifix which is said to have been carved by Nicodemus, a disciple of Christ, himself. It, therefore, is said to present His likeness exactly and to remain undamaged despite endless adversities undergone on its way to Lucca in the eighth century. Its is now the symbol of the city. San Martino is also home to the work of several important Italian artists such asTintoretto and Fra Bartolomeo. With such exceptional names involved and sights to be seen, this really is one of the most fascinating cathedrals in Tuscany.
Size: 5986px × 3933px
Location: Lucca, Tuscany region, Italy, Europe
Photo credit: © Lorenza photography / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
Keywords: architectural, architecture, bell, building, cathedral, center, central, christianity, church, churches, city, cityscape, destination, europe, european, facade, gothic, historical, italy, lucca, martino, religious, romanesque, san, tourists, tower, town, tuscan, tuscany
