Church San Michele in Foro Lucca - Tuscany

Piazza San Michele is centrally located in the old town of Lucca. This place, a forum, has been the center of the city for over 2000 years.

This is the place where victories are celebrated, trade is conducted, public speeches are allowed and politicians run their business. It is a textbook example of Pisan-Romanesque architecture in which marble is combined with lavish decorations. The statue opposite the entrance of the church is a tribute to Francesco Burlamacch, an important politician of the 16th century.

Since 1070, the church of San Michele in Foro has stood on the site of the ancient Roman forum. The facade of the church is so impressive and precious that after a construction period of 200 years, there was no money left to complete the church. The facade is proportionately much larger than the rest of the church.

The church was built on the site of the former Roman forum. The church is mainly known for its beautiful facade. This facade is impressive for its beautiful marble pillars. Almost all pillars have a unique shape or appearance. Because of this beautiful facade, the San Michele in Foro is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Tuscany. On top of the facade is a statue of the Archangel Michael.

The interior is very worth seeing. Countless frescoes, paintings and sculptures can be admired daily. The highlight is a terracotta statue depicting a Madonna and Child by Andrea della Robbia and a wooden panel depicting four saints by Filoppino Lippi.

Willem Vandenameele