Basilica of San Frediano

The Basilica of San Frediano is located in Lucca, Tuscany, in the Toxana region, near the airports of Pisa and Florence. The church is named after St. Fridian, and it can be found on St. Fridian Square. The interior of the temple is decorated with white marble carvings. The temple houses a Romanesque font from the 12th century, decorated with images from the life of the prophet Moses.

Lucca Round Market

There is a circular market in Lucca, it was built on the site of an old Roman amphitheater, which now corresponds to its design. Over the years, this part of the city has been a meeting place and has evolved over time. In the nineteenth century, the architect Lorenzo Nottolini organized this space in terms of urbanism. For many years, this place served as a trading place in Lucca. Piazza dell'Anfiteatro has 4 entrances, including one on the site of the former entrance to the amphitheater. The square is surrounded by a road, also in an epileptic form. The buildings surrounding the Amphitheater Square are full of restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.

Lucca Cathedral

Do not confuse the cathedral with the Church of St. Archangel Michael, they are very similar and equally beautiful. The cathedral was founded in 1070, when it was consecrated by Anselmo da Baggio. The length of the cathedral is more than 84 m, and the height of the bell tower is 58 m. The building is built in Romanesque and Gothic style. The temple itself was built, however, earlier, three centuries earlier.

Pay attention to the facade above the main portico with beautiful columns and delicate buildings. An interesting bas-relief of the labyrinth has been preserved on the facade of the bell tower. The entrance to this beautiful cathedral costs 3 euros. A combined ticket to the cathedral, the bell tower and the baptistery, as well as to the church of Santi Giovanni e Reparata costs 9 euros.

Basilica of San Frediano

It stands out among the other temples of Lucca. This is especially true of the facade and the mosaics on its top. It was built in 1112 with a tall Romanesque bell tower. The characteristic mosaic depicts the Ascension of Christ with angels over the twelve apostles. It is similar to Byzantine temples, such as the Monreale Cathedral in Palermo.

The nave in the Basilica of San Frediano no longer represents such Byzantine splendor, it is muted in colors, but you will still find many details and sculptures worthy of attention here. This is the highlight of Lucca, it is recommended to take a bottle with you and pour yourself from the tap of the Fontana della Pupporona in Piazza del Salvatore. The water has an acidity of 7.4 pH and is hard. It's delicious, refreshing, and safe.

Piazza Napoleone

Lucca loves Napoleon very much. If someone does not like to call this square Napoleon Square, you can call it Piazza Grande. The second main square of the city is located at the southern gate of San Pietro. You will find several restaurants and cafes here, as well as the Doge's Palace and the statue of Maria Ludwica of Bourbon-Parma, which replaced the statue of Napoleon. The annual Lucca Summer Festival takes place on Napoleon Square. You can come here after visiting the Basilica of San Frediano.

Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Lucca

This temple is often mistaken for the Basilica of San Frediano, mainly because of its style and beauty. The construction of temples began in the 8th century, when the church was erected on the site of the former Roman Forum. The facade is very similar to the facade of the cathedral and is also made of white marble with openwork and decorated columns.

At the very top of the facade there is a sculpture of Archangel Michael, legend has it that you can see a hidden emerald in the sculpture under suitable lighting conditions. From the bell tower of the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, one could hear the bells ringing in Pisa itself, which greatly irritated the residents of the neighboring town and showed the superiority of Lucca over Pisa.

Puccini Lucca

Lucca is also the birthplace of the famous composer Puccini. And it is in this city that his museum is located. Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca 2. The city of Lucca was built on the traditional Roman urban grid, where the main places and buildings were built according to the plan of the most important Roman buildings. You can get to Lucca by car, train from Florence and by bus. Lucca is located on the Firenze-Mare motorway, so it will be very quick to get from nearby towns.

The main train station is located in the immediate vicinity of the center, surrounded by walls. The vast majority of Lucca's attractions are within walking distance. You will enter the center through the main gate, probably you will enter from the south, from where it is located near the first attractions. It is worth setting aside enough time to visit the Basilica of San Frediano in order to have time to see everything and get acquainted with the history of its creation.