san frediano

DancingNancySeattle

Don't stop with admiring the beautiful fresco on the exterior of this church, go inside and see the gorgeous baptistry (with roman soldiers playing the role of the Egyptians in the Moses story), the actual body of local girl turned saint,St. Zita (a lifetime domestic servant whose saintliness was apparently her virgi it's and her loyalty to her e player and who s now the patron saint of lost keys, domestic advantage, and rape victims), as well as some beautiful artwork, stand windows, and 40 columns which were probably repurposed from the roman ampitheater as well as other roman ruins. Built in the 12th century as the Pope's answer to the bishop of Lucca who had ordered the building of the cattedrale, this church is well worth a visit.

SavannahMame

The Nativity in San Frediano was exquisite this year. The cappella in which it was presented was so appropriate and the loving care with which the scene was presented was inspiring. Thank you to all who had a hand in this touching display.

Seaholly2

Within the beautiful walled city of Lucca there are many wonderful buildings to see, but San Frediano with it's understated exterior was my favourite. The sun reflecting on the golden 'Ascention' mosaic facade will hopefully attract your attention as this 13th century church is well worth visiting. Inside there are amazing frescos from the 15 hundreds and beautiful carvings. The Romanesque style font is fountain size, with carvings on the sides of the life of Christ and the story of Moses.Because it's a little away from the tourist known sights, you can be lucky and have the space to yourself or be fortunate to have a rehearsing choir create a special atmosphere

andreat546

if you want to visit the inside of the church, be mindful of the entry times. But even you do not go inside, the outside of the church is stunning and worth a visit.

862sandin

So many features to see, with all 'round views and detailed work. Even our teens found this quite amazing. Near Anfiteatro, free to enter 8.30-12 and 2.30-5.30.

1801Denise

This 13th century church is so beautiful. Fridianus (Frediano) was an Irish bishop of Lucca in the first half of the 6th century. In the 13th-14th centuries the striking façade was decorated with a huge golden 13th century mosaic representing The Ascension of Christ the Saviour with the apostles below. Berlinghiero Berlinghieri designed it in a Byzantine/medieval style.

SusanP196

We were holidaying nearby and rode past each morning on our way to get coffee and one morning we heard singing and quicly stepped in. This Church is lovely and all the more so because a choir of German tourists were signing and the sound was devine

Tupf1950

The basilique of San Frediano is famous for its golden and blue mosaic on the outside. Inside you can admire the Fonte Lustrale (where Moses leads his people - dressed as Crusaders - through the Red Sea. You must also have a look at the coloured wooden statue of Maria, Jacopo della Quercia's polyptych and Saint Zita's Chapel (I must admit that she reminded me of an . . . )

427stephenl

View the facade in the a.m. As the sun rises and hits the mosaic directly for photography purposes. Inside is worth a visit and has some great sacred art.

gmazeman

San Frediano is located just a short distance from the Piazza Anfiteatro, the main square of Lucca. It is distinctive because of its beautiful mosaic facade, quite unusual even in Italy.

55linm

Don't miss this beautiful church, lovely both inside and out. Remember to look up as you approach to see the paintings

CrazyDiamon

Lucca has some of the best churches I've seen, from small hidden chapels to the Duomo they are all delightful in their own special way...find your way around the city from one of the free maps and the information places or one of the talking guide machines which are fantastic and tell you so much..disabled access is better in Lucca than you might expect to..enjoy

michaelmD8107GD

This was the only church we went inside of in Lucca. It is a very worthwhile destination. The interior is peaceful and quiet with some very nice objects to view. There were quite a few people visiting on the day we were there, however, it was not congested by any means. The façade, with its magnificent medieval mosaic, is quite unusual. I have not seen many mosaics of this type and style on the exterior of other churches. Definitely worth a visit when in Lucca.

susanf501

This church was interesting inside and out. Well worth a visit and not necessarily one that is the easiest to find straight away.

scheza

The outside of San Frediano has a beautiful mosaic that you shouldn't miss. Inside there is a traditional Baroque church decoration and an unusually large carved stone baptismal font.If you like human relics then don't miss Saint Zita, the patron saint of maids and domestic servants, whose body resides in a chapel on the right hand side of the church.