Madonna dello Stellario: A Symbol of Lucca

The Madonna dello Stellario, also known as the Starry Madonna, is a cherished landmark in Lucca, Italy, located at the intersection of Via del Fosso and Piazza San Francesco. This statue of the Virgin Mary stands atop a column with a Corinthian capital and has been a significant point of reference for Lucchesi for centuries. Created in 1687 by Giovanni Lazzoni of Carrara, the Madonna dello Stellario may be one of the first monuments dedicated to the Immaculate Conception in Italy. Commissioned by Flaminio Nobili, Vicar of the Diocese of Lucca, the statue was erected to celebrate the Jubilee of that year. The Diocese of Lucca had celebrated the Immaculate Conception since the 13th century, predating the official proclamation of the dogma by Pope Pius IX in 1854. The statue itself depicts the Virgin Mary stepping on a snake, a traditional representation of her triumph over evil. The base of the column features a bas-relief depicting Lucca as it appeared in the 17th century, including its Renaissance walls and skyline. An inscription in Latin translates to: "As you are truly free, preserve us free, too!". This reflects the city's history as an independent republic and a prayer for continued liberty. Today, the statue is the site of an annual celebration every December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, where religious and civic authorities pay homage to the Virgin.