Cathedral of San Martino
On Gingerguide's self-guided Lucca audio tour, Cathedral of San Martino is a stop worth about ~60 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Lucca Lucca guide
About Cathedral of San Martino
The cathedral of San Martino in Lucca, with a carved Romanesque front, the Volto Santo, an ancient wooden crucifix, and the marble tomb of Ilaria del Carretto by Jacopo della Quercia.
The cathedral was rebuilt from about 1060 and consecrated in 1070. Its front was begun in 1204. It keeps the Volto Santo, a wooden crucifix that recent tests date to about the ninth century, and the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, carved in 1406 to 1408.
Entry is with a ticket, which includes the tomb of Ilaria; the bell tower and museum have their own tickets. Visits stop during Mass, and hours can change for services. Cover your shoulders and knees.
Did you know? The Volto Santo in Lucca Cathedral was long thought a later copy, but recent tests date its wood to about the ninth century; a legend says Nicodemus carved it.
How much time do you need at Cathedral of San Martino?
Around ~60 min works well for Cathedral of San Martino — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Cathedral of San Martino?
Yes — Cathedral of San Martino made the cut as one of 13 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Lucca. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Lucca
Day 1 of the Lucca in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Cathedral of San Martino
Preview the Lucca tour free in the Gingerguide app.