This beautiful church is one I visit often. It is in the Piazza San Frediano, near the anfiteatro. The Romanesque church takes its name from the Irish bishop who built the original church on this site in the 6th century. The current church dates from the 12th century.
San Frediano
The facade was added in the 13th and 14th centuries. The 13th century mosaic represents The Ascension of Christ with the apostles below.
the gold mosaic facade
the ascension of Christ
the apostles
The church itself is quite lovely. It is much less ostentatious than some I have been into.
the interior
The 12th century font is especially interesting. The basin is decorated with the story of Moses. At this time few people could read, which is why paintings and sculptures often told a story.
the font
detail on the font
Behind the font is a 15th century glazed terracotta lunette from the school of Andrea della Robbia.
blue and white della Robbia
I think the pulpit is very cute.
the marble pulpit
There are some very old frescoes in the church.
one of the old frescoes
I particularly like this one
There some wonderful old paintings in the chapels and at the back of the church
in one of the chapels
.
near the door
One of the main reasons I take all my visitors to San Frediano is to see Saint Zita, who rests peacefully in her glass case in a special room to the side. She is a favourite saint of Lucca and she is about 800 years old. I think she looks pretty good for that age.
Saint Zita in her glass case
Click here to see more on the very interesting Saint Zita.
Don’t miss San Frediano if you go to Lucca.
True art… Everywhere, everywhere!!
By: Gian Banchero on October 14, 2011
at 7:09 am
Very beautiful. What was the Irish bishop’s name? Was it Frediano? Is that an italianized version of an Irish name? (sorry if my question is ignorant…)
By: Anna Harrison on October 14, 2011
at 7:16 am
His Irish name was Fridianus. The name of the church was changed to San Frediano when he was buried there. His grave is inside the church.
By: bagnidilucca on October 14, 2011
at 10:03 am
Stunning. Thanks
See you soon in Montalcino
By: alan featherby on October 14, 2011
at 7:39 am
I am looking forward to my Montalcino visit.
By: bagnidilucca on October 14, 2011
at 10:04 am
Beautiful post! The mosaic is stunning – a craft I would love to learn.
By: sheof108names on October 14, 2011
at 7:55 am
You should go to Ravenna to see the most amazing mosaics. There are a few posts on Ravenna on the blog.
By: bagnidilucca on October 14, 2011
at 10:05 am
How lovely, and how different to the humble little parish churches round here, and even the big town ones, yet you say, “… much less ostentatious than some I have been into!”
By: Anonymous on October 14, 2011
at 8:08 am
Some of the churches are covered in glittering gold and lots of decoration. This one is quite simple.
By: bagnidilucca on October 14, 2011
at 10:06 am
The font is beautiful. I agree Saint Zita looks good for her age! I see someone before me was wondering about the Irish bishop’s name, I am intrigued too.
By: Just Add Attitude on October 14, 2011
at 9:43 am
Fridianus was his Irish name.
By: bagnidilucca on October 14, 2011
at 10:07 am
It’s wonderful to see a post of somewhere I’ve been.! I went here on our last morning in Lucca. This church is absolutely beautiful.
By: mary D on October 14, 2011
at 10:15 am
And am I right in thinking Puccini used to play the organ there?
By: Richard Tulloch on October 14, 2011
at 11:33 am
No, on second thoughts, he played at the less beautiful church down the road.
By: Richard Tulloch on October 14, 2011
at 11:34 am
Saint Zita is, indeed, looking great for 8oo years-old. If only I looked half that good as I approach 50!
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on October 14, 2011
at 12:05 pm
I particularly like the flowers in her hair.
By: bagnidilucca on October 15, 2011
at 4:39 pm
I think we missed this church when we visited Lucca. Darn! Well, now I had yet another solid excuse for going back.
By: Damommachef on October 14, 2011
at 12:20 pm
That is indeed and excellent reason to go back.
By: bagnidilucca on October 15, 2011
at 4:40 pm
I go quite frequently to San Frediano to attend Mass. Their times are very convenient (5:30 pm on Saturdays and vespers and 12:00 noon on Sundays). Rafael and our dog “Tequila” patiently wait for me sitting at the bar with the umbrellas. He likes San Frediano, but says that he has already attended too many Masses and prefers to sit down and relax. I love San Frediano, it is a very inspiring church and I always pay a visit to Santa Zita. Lucca is such a wonderful city and we are very fortunate to be only 25 minutes away. I also go to Mass to San Pietro in Corsena, another wonderful Romanic church and Bagni di Lucca’s own parish (Bagni used to be called Corsena); however, I have to go by car as there is quite a hill to climb and this is not good for my knees…..
By: Mulino Dominillo on October 14, 2011
at 2:44 pm
I will go to the church in Corsena soon to have a look and take some photos.
By: bagnidilucca on October 15, 2011
at 4:40 pm
I’ve been there! It’s really awesome!
By: Leandro on October 14, 2011
at 4:35 pm
It is one of the many amazing churches in Lucca.
By: bagnidilucca on October 15, 2011
at 4:41 pm
There is literally so much for the eye to see here. Thanks for taking us here with you Debra! 🙂
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on October 14, 2011
at 11:05 pm
beautiful frescos. Such detail in all of the paintings.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on October 15, 2011
at 3:42 am
What a fantastic post, gorgeous paintings. Your brain must be in overdrive after seeing all the amazing art. Such a fan. Can’t wait to travel.
By: Anna Johnston on October 16, 2011
at 8:19 pm
I photographed this church from the outside when I was in Lucca this May with Panini Girl, but did not venture inside. After all, we were on a food tour. Many thanks for showing me the beautiful interior, especially Saint Zita.
By: Patti in NY on October 24, 2011
at 3:36 pm
Memories, loved the place. Your picture for Caroline (marina facing the buildings) has the place we stayed in it, the building with the turret is a great little B&B. 4 rooms and a beautiful terrace that looks out to the bay and Vesuvius. We will be back there again.
By: John Phillips on October 28, 2011
at 2:16 am
I love a turret.
By: bagnidilucca on October 28, 2011
at 6:00 am
[…] bagnidilucca […]
By: These 5 Dead Bodies Remained Intact For Hundreds Of Years. Creepy! on October 12, 2014
at 10:02 am
[…] bagnidilucca […]
By: These 5 Dead Bodies Remained Intact For Hundreds Of Years. Creepy! - gagzer the best gags online on June 18, 2016
at 6:45 am
[…] bagnidilucca […]
By: These 5 Dead Bodies Remained Intact For Hundreds Of Years. Creepy! | Next Wave Sports on October 27, 2016
at 1:35 am