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Cathedral · Lucca, Toscana
Cattedrale di San Martino
Lucca's cathedral, with a façade of superimposed arcades, the crucifix of the Volto Santo and the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto by Jacopo della Quercia.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cattedrale di San Martino
The Cattedrale di San Martino, Lucca's duomo, stands in a square south of the centre. The Romanesque façade, from the 13th century, has three tiers of small arcades with all different columns, asymmetrical because it was built up against the existing bell tower. In the portico a maze carved on one of the columns is one of the details most sought out by visitors.
Inside, in a marble tempietto by Matteo Civitali in the middle of the left nave, is the Volto Santo, a large wooden crucifix that, according to tradition, was carved by Nicodemus and arrived in Lucca in the 8th century. It was a pilgrimage destination for centuries, and on 13 September it is celebrated with the Luminara di Santa Croce, a candlelit procession through the streets.
In the sacristy is the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, the young wife of Lucca's lord Paolo Guinigi, carved by Jacopo della Quercia around 1406, showing her reclining with a dog at her feet. The cathedral also houses a Last Supper by Tintoretto.
The nave is open for worship; the sacristy, the cathedral museum and the bell tower usually have separate or combined tickets. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to an hour, including the sacristy. With the museum and the bell tower, about two hours.
Best time
In the morning, outside mass times. On 13 September the Luminara di Santa Croce brings the Volto Santo to the centre of the celebrations.
How to get there
It's on the Piazza San Martino, in the southern part of the centre, about a 10-minute walk from the station, entering via the Porta San Pietro.
Tip
Don't miss entering the sacristy to see the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto. The bell tower, when open, offers views over the square and Torre Guinigi.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cattedrale di San Martino
What is the Volto Santo?
A very old wooden crucifix that, according to tradition, was carved by Nicodemus. It is housed in a marble shrine inside the cathedral and is Lucca's main devotional image.
Where is Ilaria del Carretto's tomb located?
In the cathedral's sacristy. It's a marble sculpture by Jacopo della Quercia from the early 15th century.
Is there an entrance fee for the cathedral?
The nave can be visited outside of services. The sacristy, the museum and the bell tower usually require a ticket: check options at the entrance.
Do you need appropriate clothing?
Yes. Shoulders and knees covered, and silence during masses.