The main monument is undoubtedly the largest church in the city, the Cathedral of St. Martin (Cattedrale di San Martino or Duomo di Lucca in Italian).
A bit unusual is the fact that it is not located in the centre of the historic core, but on its south-eastern edge near the walls.
Architecture and history
The current appearance of the cathedral dates from the 12th-13th centuries, but construction began in 1060 and was not fully completed until the early 14th century. The cathedral is built in the Romanesque style.
The most striking feature is, of course, the massive and beautiful 59-metre high bell tower, built in the traditional and specific Lucanian style on a square plan with a flat battlement.
Due to its position near the southern walls, which were the most vulnerable due to the proximity of the Republic of Pisa, the tower also served military purposes. Its unmistakable appearance is determined in particular by its two-coloured façade, with the first 2/3 of the tower being brick and the highest parts of the tower turning into white limestone.
Even the cathedral itself is unique. Although it was inspired by the Pisan style and the cathedral there, Lucca has taken this style to another level with its enlarged facades with many ornate arcades that effectively increase the size of the church.
Admission and opening hours
The cathedral is open to the tourist public daily from 10:00 am, closing times vary according to the days of the week and the current season (see the official website).
You can also climb the bell tower, which offers a beautiful view of the whole of Lucca and the mountains in the background, from 10:00 to 17:00 daily or 18:00 during the summer.
You have to pay to enter the cathedral and the tower:
- 3 eur - Cathedral only or Tower only
- 9 eur - Cathedral + tower + small museum + adjacent church of San Giovanni e Reparata
You can pay at the entrance to the cathedral in cash or by card.
Official website: museocattedralelucca.it
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Lucca.
