Lucca - San Michele in Foro

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.

San Michele in Foro was built over the ancient Roman forum in the center of Lucca. A church existed right here already end of the 9th century. Pope Alexander II, who had been bishop in Lucca before he made carreer in Rome , started the construction of the church, seen here, after 1070.

It took centuries to complete this building. Diotisalvi and Guidetto da Como have worked here in the 13th century. Unfortunately it is not always clear, wether the ornaments are 13th century - or a result of the renovation of the 19th century.

Animals and hunting scenes again. Here I am pretty sure, that the heads below were added within the 19th century. My guess is that the crowned king is Victor Emmanuel II of Italy (1820 – 1878), at least he has the same beard. If I am right, this portait was added after 1861, as since then he was King of Italy. Then the person to the right can only be Pope Pius IX, the longest-reigning elected pope in the history - over 31 years.