Pisa, Lucca and Pistoia

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. A church existed here already during the 5th century, but "Santi Giovanni e Reparata", seen here, is of course much younger. Actually the earliest church was the seat of the bishop, before the duomo (in the background) was built. Unfortunately "Santi Giovanni e Reparatata" was closed. I would have liked to see the excavation, the crypt and above all the baptistery.

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 Giusto" was erected over the foundation of a preceding church within the 12th century. The facade has the black/white design that is so typical for the Tuscany. The interior of the three-naves-church was remodeled during the times if Baroque.

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 Salvatore" belonged to a convent, that was founded within the 8th century. Sponsored by the Carolingians (Louis the Pious), the nunnery was the richest in Lucca during medieval times. The convent existed upto 1808, when under the reign of Napoleon´s eldest sister Elisa Bonaparte, Princess of Lucca and Piombino and Grand Duchess of Tuscany, all convents in Lucca got secularized. For a while it served as the local hospital. The church, seen here, was built within the 12th century, but got renovated in remodeled a couple of times, especially during the 19th century.

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 Salvatore" belonged to a convent, that was founded within the 8th century. Sponsored by the Carolingians (Louis the Pious), the nunnery was the richest in Lucca during medieval times. The convent existed upto 1808, when under the reign of Napoleon´s eldest sister Elisa Bonaparte, Princess of Lucca and Piombino and Grand Duchess of Tuscany, all convents in Lucca got secularized. For a while it served as the local hospital. The church, seen here, was built within the 12th century, but got renovated in remodeled a couple of times, especially during the 19th century. Some carvings of the old structure survived the centuries. Here is a lintel, that I cannot "read". Two saints (halos) distribute food to the nobility (left) and to the commoners (right). ?? Or do the saints bless the food?

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 Salvatore" belonged to a convent, that was founded within the 8th century. Sponsored by the Carolingians (Louis the Pious), the nunnery was the richest in Lucca during medieval times. The convent existed upto 1808, when under the reign of Napoleon´s eldest sister Elisa Bonaparte, Princess of Lucca and Piombino and Grand Duchess of Tuscany, all convents in Lucca got secularized. For a while it served as the local hospital. The church, seen here, was built within the 12th century, but got renovated in remodeled a couple of times, especially during the 19th century. Some carvings of the old structure survived the centuries. A nude saint (halo) being lifted out of a vessel. To the sides are towers/towns (?) from where people watch the scene. Note the two lions on the right. This is probably a legend connected to Saint Nicholas, as his name is written next to the nude saint. The large inscription on the vessel reads: "Biduino me fecit hoc - op(us)"

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 Salvatore" belonged to a convent, that was founded within the 8th century. Sponsored by the Carolingians (Louis the Pious), the nunnery was the richest in Lucca during medieval times. The convent existed upto 1808, when under the reign of Napoleon´s eldest sister Elisa Bonaparte, Princess of Lucca and Piombino and Grand Duchess of Tuscany, all convents in Lucca got secularized. For a while it served as the local hospital. The church, seen here, was built within the 12th century, but got renovated in remodeled a couple of times, especially during the 19th century. Some carvings of the old structure survived the centuries. A closer look onto the carving and the "signature". Next to the nude saint "S NICH - OLAU" Below, left side "P b R P " (??) and on the vessel a very large (and proud) aignature "BIDUINO ME FECIT HOC -OP(us)"

The oval Piazza dell´Anfiteatro (aka "Piazza del Mercato") used to be a Roman amphitheater. During medieval times, houses were built on the Roman remains. From about 1830 on the area was used as a marketplace.

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. A convent of the Franciscan order ("Grey Friars") existed in Lucca since 1228. The convent´s church San Francesco, seen here, was erected outside the city walls in the 14th century, and now needs some really serious renovation.

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 Pietro Somaldi was founded already within the 8th century by a person samed "Summal" (-> "Somaldi"), but the structure seen today dates back to the 12th century. The poster to the right guides the tourist to the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini ("Madama Butterfly", "Tosca"..). He was born in Lucca in 1858.

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 Pietro Somaldi was founded already within the 8th century by a person samed "Summal" (-> "Somaldi"), but the structure seen today dates back to the 12th century. The lintel depicts Saint Peter, receiving the key. The scene was carved by Guido Bigarelli, a "Comacine master" who has worked as well (Duomo) in Lucca and in Pisa (Baptistery).

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 Frediano (aka "Fridianus", "Frigianu") was an Irish hermit, who in 560 became Bishop of Lucca. He died in 588 and got buried in the crypt of a church, that existed here at that time. The construction of the "Basilica di San Frediano", as seen today, started in 1112. The church was consecrated in 1147. As it was built very close to the city wall, this church is not oriented to the east. About a century after the consecration, the first remodelling was done, enlarging the church - and creating the facade with the monumental mosaic.

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 Frediano (aka "Fridianus", "Frigianu") was an Irish hermit, who in 560 became Bishop of Lucca. He died in 588 and got buried in the crypt of a church, that existed here at that time. The construction of today´s "Basilica di San Frediano" started in 1112. The church was consecrated in 1147. As it was built very close to the city wall, this church is not oriented to the east. About a century after the consecration, the first remodelling was done, enlarging the church - and creating the facade with the monumental mosaic, seen here. It was renovated within the 19th century, but is still near to original "byzantine" style, created by the artist Berlinghiero (aka "Berlinghiero Berlinghieri") or at least his school. Berlinghiero was the father of the painters Barone, Bonaventura and Marco Berlinghieri. The mosaic depicts the "Ascension of Christ" supported by angels. Below him are the apostles, who were once centered around Mary. Where she once was - is a window now.

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 Frediano (aka "Fridianus", "Frigianu") was an Irish hermit, who in 560 became Bishop of Lucca. He died in 588 and got buried in the crypt of a church, that existed here at that time. The construction of today´s "Basilica di San Frediano" started in 1112. The church was consecrated in 1147. As it was built very close to the city wall, this church is not oriented to the east. About a century after the consecration, the first remodelling was done. Facing west (!) to the apses. The flat, wooden ceiling still exists. Today the relics of San Frediano are buried under the main altar, seen in the distance. San Frediano was known for his for sanctity and and numerous miracles, but he didn't stop the rain outside.

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 Frediano (aka "Fridianus", "Frigianu") was an Irish hermit, who in 560 became Bishop of Lucca. He died in 588 and got buried in the crypt of a church, that existed here at that time. The construction of today´s "Basilica di San Frediano" started in 1112. The church was consecrated in 1147. As it was built very close to the city wall, this church is not oriented to the east. About a century after the consecration, the first remodelling was done. This huge 12th-century Romanesque baptismal font is placed near the portal. It was carved by Master Roberto (he left his signature) and two unknown masters. Unfortunately the light was way too dim in March for detailed photos.

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 Frediano (aka "Fridianus", "Frigianu") was an Irish hermit, who in 560 became Bishop of Lucca. He died in 588 and got buried in the crypt of a church, that existed here at that time. The construction of today´s "Basilica di San Frediano" started in 1112. The church was consecrated in 1147. As it was built very close to the city wall, this church is not oriented to the east. About a century after the consecration, the first remodelling was done. A huge 12th-century Romanesque baptismal font is placed near the portal. It was carved by Master Roberto (he left his signature) and two unknown masters. Unfortunately the light was way too dim in March for more detailed photos.

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 Frediano (aka "Fridianus", "Frigianu") was an Irish hermit, who in 560 became Bishop of Lucca. He died in 588 and got buried in the crypt of a church, that existed here at that time. The construction of today´s "Basilica di San Frediano" started in 1112. The church was consecrated in 1147. As it was built very close to the city wall, this church is not oriented to the east. About a century after the consecration, the first remodelling was done. Saint Zita was born in 1212 near Lucca and became a servant in a household at the age of 12. She worked for the family for 48 years. She lived a hard. but pious life and died at the age of 60. A cult developed, miracles happened and when in 1580 her body was exhumed, it was discovered to be incorrupt. The body was mummified and in 1696 she got canonized. She is the patron saint for servants, homemakers, waiters and helps to find lost keys. Saint Zita´s body now is on display in a chapel of San Frediano.

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. Unfortunately (for me!) it is not always clear, wether the ornaments are 13th century - or a result of the renovation of the 19th century.

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 (for me!) it is not always clear, wether the ornaments are 13th century - or a result of the renovation of the 19th century.