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.