Lucca and Art

Lucca resembles a treasure chest for lovers of art and history with paintings and sculptures both ancient and modern. Today the discerning buyer can choose from a variety of modern art from the many galleries inside and outside the walls of this memorable City of Art. Inspiring old art and architecture is to be found in all corners of the city however.

 

The wealth of Lucca merchants was amassed through its location on the trade route North from the Mediterranean. This wealth was used to create buildings which are works of art in themselves, surviving in a beautifully preserved state since the 11th century. The magnificent and massive walls which encircle the city were built between 1544 and 1645 and are also still intact.

 

The walls enclose a city filled with spectacular churches,towers and palaces, most containing paintings and sculptures from prehistoric times.

Two art galleries worth visiting are the Museo Nazionali di Villa Giunigi which contains both art and scientific collections and the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi.The latter houses art works from the 14th to 18th centuries in addition to tapestries and wall hangings.

 

Among the "hundred churches " in Lucca the Duomo San Martino holds two important art works. The "Volto Santo" (Holy Face) even has a feast day in September dedicated to it because of its fascinating history. The tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, a Medieval, reclining sculpture dates from around 1407.

Another church, the church of San Frediano has a 13th century mosaic and an enormous baptismal font known as the Fonte Lustrale.

 

Lucca has many more historic buildings ,cultural institutions and libraries that are well worth visiting . As well as art Lucca has a vast musical heritage and is well known as the birthplace of Puccini . His early home has been turned into a museum which is open to the public.

 

Art and music are a powerful combination and make a visit to Lucca a joy to the senses.