Museo della Cattedrale, Lucca Travel Guide

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Discover Lucca's artistic and religious heritage at the Museo della Cattedrale, home to sacred art, historical artifacts, and the revered Volto Santo.

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Museo della Cattedrale

The Museo della Cattedrale in Lucca showcases the rich artistic and religious heritage of the city. Housed within a complex of historic buildings near the Duomo, the museum displays sculptures, paintings, liturgical objects, and precious relics, offering a glimpse into Lucca's cultural evolution.

A brief summary to Museo della Cattedrale

Piazza Antelminelli, 5, Lucca, Province of Lucca, 55100, IT
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Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Museo della Cattedrale.

Combine your visit with a trip to the Duomo di San Martino to see the original location of many of the museum's artifacts.
Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and special events.
Purchase a combination ticket to save money if you plan to visit other attractions in the Cathedral complex, such as the bell tower and the Church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's collection and the archaeological site.

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Explore Museo della Cattedrale on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Museo della Cattedrale, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Museo della Cattedrale is located in the heart of Lucca's historic center, making walking the most convenient way to reach it. From any point within the city walls, follow signs towards the Duomo di San Martino. Once at the Duomo, the museum is located on Piazza Antelminelli, adjacent to the cathedral's left side.
Public Transport

If arriving by train or bus, the museum is a 15-20 minute walk from the Lucca train station and the Piazzale Verdi bus station. From either station, follow the main streets into the historic center, heading towards the Duomo. Local buses also connect the train station and other points outside the walls to the city center. A 70-minute bus ticket costs €1.20.
Taxi

Taxis are available at the Lucca train station and at stands in Piazza Santa Maria and Piazza Napoleone. A short taxi ride from the train station to the Museo della Cattedrale will cost approximately €10-€15. Ensure the meter is running or negotiate the fare beforehand.
Parking

If arriving by car, it is best to park outside the city walls as the historic center is a limited traffic zone (ZTL). Several paid parking lots are located near the walls, including Park Carducci (€1/hour, daily rate of €5) and Park Palatucci (€0.2 for the first 60 minutes, then €1/hour, daily rate of €6). From these parking lots, it's a short walk or bus ride to the Museo della Cattedrale. Bus tickets cost €1.20 for 70 minutes.

Discover more about Museo della Cattedrale

The Museo della Cattedrale, or Cathedral Museum, in Lucca is a captivating journey through the city's religious and artistic evolution. Located in Piazza Antelminelli, adjacent to the Duomo di San Martino, the museum is housed within a complex of buildings that include a 13th-century tower house, a 16th-century church, and a main structure dating back to the 14th century. Founded in 1992, the museum safeguards treasures from the Cathedral of San Martino and surrounding churches.The museum's collection is displayed chronologically, allowing visitors to witness the changes in artistic styles over the centuries. Highlights include the 6th-century ivory diptych of Consul Areobindo, a copper tin depicting the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, and the 15th-century gold cross known as the Croce dei Pisani. An entire room is dedicated to the Holy Face (Volto Santo), a revered ancient wooden crucifix that is central to Luccan identity and celebrated annually on September 3 and 14. On these occasions, the crucifix is adorned with precious garments, including a velvet tunic, a gold crown, and a jeweled collar.Other notable items include a collection of antique priests' clothing and silverware crafted in Lucca between the 15th and 19th centuries, choir screens by Matteo Civitali, and sculptures that once graced the cathedral. The museum also displays illuminated manuscripts, jewelry, and sacred furnishings. Visitors can explore the archaeological area beneath the church of San Giovanni and the Baptistery to discover Roman-era remains, including mosaics and thermal baths.