Church of San Michele in Foro and Palazzo Pretorio, Lucca

The Church of San Michele in Foro and the Praetorian Palace, in Lucca

The Church of San Michele in Foro, on the former Roman forum, is a Romanesque masterpiece crowned with the statue of the archangel. The Lucca audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary and the neighbouring Praetorian Palace, in the heart of the town.

The Romanesque masterpiece on the ancient forum

The Church of San Michele in Foro is one of the finest Romanesque buildings of Lucca. It rises on the square that occupies the site of the former Roman forum, the heart of the ancient town, hence its name. Its façade is a masterpiece of the Pisan-Lucca Romanesque: very high, adorned with several floors of loggias with small columns all different, it is crowned with a great statue of the archangel Saint Michael slaying the dragon, which seems to dominate the town. Beside it stands the Praetorian Palace, an elegant Renaissance building with a loggia, former seat of justice and administration of Lucca. Together, the church and the palace compose one of the finest settings of the town. You discover them with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the magnificent Romanesque façade with floors of loggias with small columns all different, crowned with the statue of the archangel Saint Michael slaying the dragon, on the former Roman forum, and the neighbouring Renaissance Praetorian Palace with a loggia. San Michele in Foro is a masterpiece of Lucca. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of San Michele in Foro and the Praetorian Palace lie on San Michele Square, in the heart of Lucca, reachable on foot. A place of worship, the church can be visited with respect for services; access and hours follow their own conditions, which vary. You admire the façades from the square. It is best to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the church called San Michele in Foro in Lucca?

Because it rises on the square that occupies the site of the former Roman forum, the heart of the ancient town; its Romanesque façade is crowned with a statue of the archangel Saint Michael slaying the dragon.