San Michele Church stands proudly in the piazza of the same name. It is one of my favourite places in Lucca. The piazza is right in the centre of the city and is always busy.
church of San Michele
The Romanesque basilica of San Michele in Foro took 200 years to build. The church never attained its full height, which is why the facade seems too big for the rest of the church. “in Foro” comes from the square which was once the forum of the Roman colony.
from the side
with pigeons
the campanile
on a corner of the church
There is often a market set up in the piazza beside the church. I think it spoils the ambience a bit, but it seems to be very popular.
the market in Piazza San Michele
The church is particularly lovely in the late afternoon when it appears to be bathed in a golden light.
late afternoon at San Michele
the top of the church
blowing his trumpet
on the facade
The archangel Michael stands very grandly at the top of the facade.
the angel at the top
At night it become white again.
San Michele at night
You can’t miss it if you are in Lucca. Take a look and then scoot off to the nearby Paris Boheme for lunch or dinner.
Gorgeous Deb – seeing the church in late afternoon with the sun on it is truly ‘divine’ – glad we saw it
By: Liz Litzow on July 26, 2011
at 12:38 am
It was a beautiful afternoon in lovely Lucca.
By: bagnidilucca on July 26, 2011
at 1:09 am
Well – as I’ve JUST been there it’s great to feel so familiar with your blog.!! We loved this church, the angel on the top and the stairs at the back. As you know we also took your advise and dined at Paris Boheme!
LOVED Lucca – it had a real buzz about it – Summer Festival was in full swing.
By: mary D on July 26, 2011
at 12:42 am
I really will have to go in summer for the festival one year.
By: bagnidilucca on July 26, 2011
at 1:09 am
My favorite spot to watch people and hear performers. Your pictures are amazing!!!
By: Melonie Carideo on July 26, 2011
at 1:57 am
Thanks! Piazza San Michele always has something happening.
By: bagnidilucca on July 26, 2011
at 2:54 am
When we visited there, one Saturday there was a wedding about to happen. Very interesting to see the guests arrive on bicycles all in their finery and stilletto heels!!!
By: kirsi sade on July 26, 2011
at 3:08 am
I love watching the older Lucca ladies riding their bikes wearing furs in winter. (The ladies wear the furs, not the bikes)
By: bagnidilucca on July 26, 2011
at 12:10 pm
It is also one of my favourite churches in Lucca… and there are a few to choose from… I go to Mass there quite often or to San Freddiano. And I agree with you, the market looks absolutely out of place there.
By: Mulino Dominillo on July 26, 2011
at 6:08 am
San Michele is a beautiful church. I love the detail on the front.
By: bagnidilucca on July 26, 2011
at 12:10 pm
Damn! We should have waited till late afternoon to get that lovely light you have there.
By: Richard Tulloch on July 26, 2011
at 7:12 am
That golden light in the late afternoon makes the church look wonderful.
By: bagnidilucca on July 26, 2011
at 12:11 pm
It looks like the set of a movie! 😮
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on July 26, 2011
at 9:31 am
I wouldn’t be surprised if it has appeared in the odd movie.
By: bagnidilucca on July 26, 2011
at 12:12 pm
We loved Lucca alot, but we didnt see San Michele, we didnt have much time. We would love to go back to tuscany and see the places we didnt see before. The pictures are amazing. now I can say whenever I see a pic in Tuscany or the places we visited, I can say” I’ve been there,” ” I saw this, I know that” . Amazing.
By: Fragolina on July 26, 2011
at 10:06 am
I think you need to go back. Lucca is a beautiful city that you need to spend time in to really appreciate.
By: bagnidilucca on July 27, 2011
at 10:56 am
Fabulous photos, the ‘magic hour’ ones are my favourites. Ah that golden hour when we all look beautiful 😉
By: Joanna on July 26, 2011
at 10:10 am
Yes, a bit of soft light helps a lot.
By: bagnidilucca on July 26, 2011
at 12:14 pm
Amazingly beautiful. It looks very fragile. Somehow it seems a miracle that it is still standing.
By: The Daily Cure on July 26, 2011
at 11:05 am
These old buildings must be tougher than they look, they are still standing.
By: bagnidilucca on July 26, 2011
at 12:14 pm
That is gorgeous! The facade reminds me of St Paul’s in Macau, where only the facade remains standing.
By: Journey Photographic on July 26, 2011
at 11:38 am
I’ve seen St Paul’s in Macau. It is amazing.
By: bagnidilucca on July 26, 2011
at 12:16 pm
Ah, the memories-thank you Debra!
By: paninigirl on July 26, 2011
at 5:04 pm
I miss Lucca when I am not there.
By: bagnidilucca on July 26, 2011
at 10:01 pm
Love always seeing Lucca. it is truly magical.
By: Moira Drexler on July 26, 2011
at 7:04 pm
Lucca is gorgeous! I can never get enough.
By: bagnidilucca on July 26, 2011
at 10:01 pm
my favourite church! 🙂
Antonella
Tour Guide in Lucca
By: Antonella Marcucci on July 27, 2011
at 5:30 am
It is a beautiful church. Lucky you being there to show people around lovely Lucca.
By: bagnidilucca on July 27, 2011
at 5:38 am
It was covered in scaffolding many moons ago when I was there, so it’s good to see what I missed out on.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on July 27, 2011
at 10:37 am
It is looking clean and shiny now.
By: bagnidilucca on July 27, 2011
at 10:42 am