Church of San Giovanni and Reparata

The Church of Saints John and Reparata, in Lucca

The Church of Saints John and Reparata is a former cathedral of Lucca, famous for the archaeological excavations it shelters. The Lucca audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary that reveals the strata of the history of the town.

The former cathedral with archaeological excavations

The Church of Saints John and Reparata, in Italian Santi Giovanni e Reparata, is one of the oldest places of worship of Lucca. Before St. Martin's Cathedral became the seat of the bishopric, it is here that the primitive cathedral of the town was located. The current building, with a sober Romanesque façade and a fine wooden ceiling, conceals a hidden treasure: under its floor, archaeological excavations have revealed the superimposed vestiges of several eras, from the Roman baths to the first early-Christian and medieval churches. You can go down to admire these strata that recount nearly two thousand years of history. A place of worship and an archaeological site, the church is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the former primitive cathedral of Lucca, its sober Romanesque façade and its wooden ceiling, and you go down to discover the archaeological excavations that reveal, under the floor, the superimposed vestiges of the Roman baths and the first churches. The Church of Saints John and Reparata recounts the history of the town. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of Saints John and Reparata lies near St. Martin's Cathedral, in the heart of Lucca, reachable on foot. The visit of the church and the archaeological excavations follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

What do the excavations of the Church of Saints John and Reparata reveal in Lucca?

Under the floor of this former primitive cathedral, the excavations reveal the superimposed vestiges of several eras, from the Roman baths to the first early-Christian and medieval churches, nearly two thousand years of history.

Where is the Church of Saints John and Reparata?

Near St. Martin's Cathedral, in the heart of Lucca, in Italy.