Piazza Antelminelli and Saint Martin’s Cathedral

Antelminelli Square and St. Martin's Cathedral, in Lucca

St. Martin's Cathedral, on Antelminelli Square, is the main sanctuary of Lucca, a jewel of Romanesque and Gothic art. The Lucca audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this major building and its treasures, including the Volto Santo.

The Duomo and its treasures

St. Martin's Cathedral, the Duomo of Lucca, stands on Antelminelli Square and constitutes the spiritual heart of the town. Built and altered from the eleventh to the fifteenth century, it presents a Romanesque façade with superimposed arcades, asymmetric due to the neighbouring bell tower, and a slender Gothic interior. It keeps two priceless treasures: the Volto Santo, an ancient and highly venerated wooden crucifix, an object of great popular devotion, and the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, a masterpiece of sculpture carved by Jacopo della Quercia, representing the young deceased with striking gentleness. A major sanctuary and a setting of masterpieces, St. Martin's Cathedral is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the Romanesque façade with superimposed arcades and the Gothic interior of the cathedral, as well as its two treasures: the Volto Santo, a highly venerated wooden crucifix, and the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto carved by Jacopo della Quercia, on Antelminelli Square. St. Martin's Cathedral is the major sanctuary of Lucca. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

St. Martin's Cathedral lies on Antelminelli Square, in the heart of Lucca, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; access and hours follow their own conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

What treasures does St. Martin's Cathedral of Lucca keep?

The Volto Santo, an ancient and highly venerated wooden crucifix an object of great devotion, and the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, a masterpiece of sculpture made by Jacopo della Quercia.

Where is St. Martin's Cathedral of Lucca?

On Antelminelli Square, in the heart of Lucca, in Italy.