a group of flag-wavers at night behind the cathedral

During the Days of San Paolino, the city celebrates its patron saint. From July 10th to 16th, a packed program of events celebrates San Paolino.

For centuries, the people of Lucca have gathered on July 12th to celebrate their patron saint, a moment that transcends the religious sphere and reinvigorates the deepest roots of the city's identity. Around July 12th, a series of initiatives and events are organized for the festive days.

The San Paolino parade

Friday July 10
At 21:30 pm, against the splendid backdrop of San Martino Cathedral, Lucca's flag-wavers and musicians, accompanied by groups from other cities, will amaze the audience with an evening of performances featuring the traditional flag game.

La Luminara of San Paolino


Saturday July 11

At 21:30 pm, the procession with the historical groups will set off from Piazzale Verdi and pass through the streets of the historic centre to Piazza San Martino, where the drawing of the shooting order for the following evening's Palio will take place.

The Palio of San Paolino

Sunday July 12th

At 10.30 am in the church of San Paolino thePontifical celebrated by Monsignor Giulietti and accompanied by the Polifonica Lucches and the choir of the Machiavelli Institute.
This year we will perform an unreleased motet written for the occasion by Maestro Alessandro La Ciacera, as well as many other pieces carefully selected by Maestro Marco Musto.
at 12:00 on the San Donato bastion, the Artillery Revelry, the show re-enacting the miracle of 1664 attributed to the Saint.
the 52nd begins at 21:30 pm Palio of San PaolinoLucca's best crossbowmen compete in the new shooting range set up in Piazzale Verdi between the old Porta San Donato and the former Cavallerizza.

An exhibition and two conferences

from Monday 13th to Friday 17th July

For the celebrations dedicated to St. Paolino, patron saint of the city of Lucca, the barracks of the San Paolino bastion will be open from 21:00 PM to 23:00 PM for an exhibition dedicated to the antique crossbows of the San Paolino Contade Association that were used in the Palio.

Tuesday July 14

at 9.15pm at the San Paolino bastion the events will be discussed From Castrum to Terziere: The Historical and Urban Development of San Paolino in Lucca edited by Professor Alessio Pisani.

Thursday July 16

at 9.15pm at the San Paolino bastion we will talk about Pilgrims and mercenaries in the Middle Ages with Professor Daniele Zucconi.