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Duomo di San Martino: Lucca's Romanesque Masterpiece

Explore Lucca's magnificent cathedral, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic art, home to the revered Volto Santo crucifix.

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The Duomo di San Martino, or Lucca Cathedral, is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture with Gothic influences. Its asymmetrical facade, intricate sculptures, and the Volto Santo crucifix make it a must-see in Lucca.

A brief summary to Duomo di San Martino

  • Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Climb the bell tower for a 360° panorama of Lucca and the surrounding plain; be prepared for 217 steps.
  • Visit the Duomo in the evening for a quieter, more contemplative experience.
  • Look for the labyrinth carving on the base of the bell tower, a mysterious symbol similar to the one in Chartres Cathedral.
  • On September 13th, visit the cathedral to see the Volto Santo dressed in precious religious garments for the Santa Croce festival.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza Napoleone, walk north along Via Fillungo, Lucca's main street. Continue for approximately 500 meters, and the Duomo will appear on your left in Piazza San Martino. The walk is mostly flat and takes about 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the Lucca train station, take any bus heading towards the city center. Get off at the Piazza Verdi stop, which is near the tourist office and Porta Sant'Anna. From there, walk south along Via Fillungo for about 5 minutes until you reach Piazza San Martino and the Duomo. A single bus ticket costs around €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at Piazza Santa Maria or Piazza Napoleone. A short taxi ride from either location to the Duomo will cost approximately €9, which is the minimum fare. From the train station, a taxi ride to the Duomo will also cost around €9.

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Discover more about Duomo di San Martino

The Duomo di San Martino, also known as Lucca Cathedral, is a captivating blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles that reflects the city's rich history. Originally founded in the 6th century, the cathedral has undergone several transformations, with the current structure largely completed in the 14th century. The facade, inspired by the Pisa Cathedral, is a masterpiece of Lucca-Pisan Romanesque architecture. It features three arches opening onto the square, with intricate sculptures and bas-reliefs depicting religious scenes and the cycle of the months. The bell tower, dating back to the 12th-13th centuries, is constructed with heterogeneous local materials, offering a panoramic view of the city from its belfry. Inside, the cathedral boasts a three-aisled interior with Gothic forms, housing numerous works of art. The most famous is the Volto Santo, a wooden crucifix believed to have been made by Nicodemus, a follower of Christ. Other notable works include the sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto by Jacopo della Quercia, and paintings by Domenico Ghirlandaio and Jacopo Tintoretto. The Duomo di San Martino stands as a symbol of Lucca's religious, cultural, and artistic heritage, inviting visitors to explore its intricate details and immerse themselves in its rich history.

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