Lucca - Santa Maria Forisportam

Lucca existed already in Etruscan times and became a Roman colony in 180 BC. The Diocese of Lucca dates back to the first century, legends tell, that St. Paulinus, a disciple of St. Peter, was the first Bishop of Lucca. In medieval times Lucca was the residence of the Margraves of Tuscany. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), Lucca constituted itself as an independent republic. Actually the "Republic of Lucca" existed from 1160 to 1805.

I learned, that Santa Maria Forisportam, erected within the 12th century, was modelled after the Duomo of Pisa. Well, many churches in Tuscany were modeled after the Duomo of Pisa. It was affiliated to Canons Regular from the 16th century. The facade has some interesting carvings. Here a lion and a griffin guard the door below.