Basilica of San Frediano
Standing before the Basilica of San Frediano, one is immediately drawn to the mosaic and invited to visit the interior of what is undoubtedly one of the most evocative Romanesque churches in all of Tuscany. The ancient basilica of Lucca was founded at the initiative of Bishop Frediano (6th century), probably of Irish origin. However, in ancient times the church was also dedicated to Saint Vincent (Ecclesia ss. Vincenti et Fridiani) and also had a convent attached to it.
Address: Piazza San Frediano, Lucca
phone: 349 8440290
E-MAIL: info@sanfredianolucca.com
website: sanfredianolucca.com
accessibility: The basilica alone is accessible to people with motor disabilities via a ramp located on the right side of the facade.
timetables: Monday to Friday 9:30 am - 17:00 pm – Saturday 9:30 am - 17:30 pm – Sunday 9:30 am - 17:00 pm
During the celebrations (Monday and Friday at 8:00 am and Saturday at 17:30 pm) visits are not permitted from half an hour before the start until the end.
entrance: an entrance fee is required
It is available there booking online
The Museum and Archaeological Complex of the Cathedral of Lucca adheres to Lucca VisitCard the cumulative ticket that allows access to the main places of cultural interest and attractions of the city
The ancient basilica of Lucca was founded on the initiative of Bishop Frediano (6th century), probably of Irish origin. Even before that, however, the church was also dedicated to Saint Vincent (Ecclesia ss. Vincenti et Fridiani) and a convent was also attached. Despite various renovations, it is possible admire the medieval layout of the church in all its splendor also numerous works of art.
And among these we must certainly mention: the large mosaic on the facade (made partly by artists with a Byzantine background and partly by artists close to the local Berlinghieri workshop), the notable Romanesque sculptures of the baptismal font, the marble work of Jacopo della Quercia (author in Lucca also of the famous funerary monument dedicated to Ilaria del Carretto), the cycle of frescoes by the Bolognese Friend Aspertini, the statues of Lucca Matteo Civitali and finally the decorations of the noble chapels along the naves of the basilica and the one which houses the body of Saint Zita.
Inside the church there is a "special" bell dating back to 1223 which, according to tradition, spontaneously, without waiting for the bell ringers, announced the birth of the Saint by bringing the other bells into a festive double ringing, and which, with the others, played the concert on the death of Saint Zita.
From June 2023 it will be possible to climb the narrow staircase leading to the top of the bell tower.
The bell tower is 55,20 meters tall and from its 31 openings—including single-lancet windows, double-lancet windows, a double row of triple-lancet windows, and four-lancet windows on the top two levels—it offers a unique view of the historic center of the city and the surrounding Piana di Lucca.
From the spiral staircase inside the basilica, one can ascend to the floor where the stone staircase leading to the top begins. A veritable observatory has been created for the bell tower, with small, removable wooden steps that, with the aid of a protective system, will allow for the best and safest visibility outside.
The Basilica of San Frediano adheres to Visit Card Lucca the cumulative ticket that allows access to the main places of cultural interest and attractions of the city
