Basilica di San Frediano, Lucca Travel Guide

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Explore Lucca's Basilica di San Frediano: a Romanesque church with a stunning mosaic facade and rich artistic heritage.

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Basilica di San Frediano

The Basilica di San Frediano, one of Lucca's oldest and most significant religious sites, showcases stunning Romanesque architecture and a rich history dating back to the 6th century. Its most striking feature is the 13th-century golden mosaic on its facade, a rare example of Byzantine art in Tuscany. Inside, visitors can explore a wealth of medieval and Renaissance art, including frescoes, a baptismal font, and the mummified body of Saint Zita, the city's patron saint.

A brief summary to Basilica di San Frediano

Piazza S. Frediano, Lucca, Province of Lucca, 55100, IT
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Monday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Basilica di San Frediano.

Visit during the annual Luminara di Santa Croce procession on September 13th, which starts from the basilica.
Climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Lucca's historic center (available since June 2023).
Don't miss the Chapel of Sant'Agostino with its 16th-century frescoes and the Tenta family chapel with Renaissance sculptures.
See the 12th-century baptismal font adorned with reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Moses, the Apostles, and the months of the year.
Visit the incorrupt body of Saint Zita, Lucca's patron saint, displayed in a glass case.

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Getting There

Walking

From Piazza del Giglio, walk northeast along Via Vittorio Veneto, then turn left onto Via Fillungo. Continue north, then turn right onto Via Sant'Andrea. Turn left onto Piazza San Frediano. The Basilica will be on the right side of the piazza. This walk is approximately 500 meters and should take about 7 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

From Lucca train station, take the VaiBus line 3+ towards the city center. The bus stop closest to the Basilica di San Frediano is S. Frediano 1, which is directly in front of the basilica. The journey takes approximately 6 minutes. A single bus ticket costs between €1 and €2.
Taxi

From the Lucca train station, a taxi ride to the Basilica di San Frediano takes approximately 5 minutes. Taxi stands are available at the train station. The estimated fare is between €8 and €11. According to current taxi rates in Lucca, the starting fare is €3.40, and the cost per kilometer is €1.10. A minimum fare of €9.00 may apply.

Discover more about Basilica di San Frediano

The Basilica di San Frediano, located on Piazza San Frediano, is a captivating testament to Lucca's rich religious and artistic heritage. Founded in the 6th century by Saint Frediano, an Irish bishop, the basilica stands on the site of an earlier church dedicated to Saint Vincent. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a prominent landmark, showcasing a blend of Romanesque architectural styles and artistic influences.The basilica's most iconic feature is its stunning mosaic facade, created in the 13th century. This golden mosaic, executed in a Byzantine style, depicts the Ascension of Christ surrounded by angels and the twelve apostles. The mosaic is attributed to the Lucca-based school of Berlinghieri.Inside, the basilica's interior is divided into three naves, separated by magnificent colonnades with arches. Among the chapels, the Chapel of Sant'Agostino features 16th-century frescoes by Amico Aspertini, while the Tenta family chapel showcases Renaissance sculptures by Jacopo della Quercia. The 12th-century baptismal font is adorned with intricate reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Moses, the Apostles, and the months of the year. The basilica also houses the incorrupt body of Saint Zita, Lucca's patron saint, which is displayed in a glass case.The bell tower, standing at 55.20 meters, offers a unique view of the city's historic center. Since June 2023, it has been possible to climb the narrow staircase leading to the top of the bell tower.