Basilica of St Frediano

Basilica of St Frediano

 

The oldest church in Lucca , located in the heart of Lucca on the Piazza San Frediano, just a few steps from Piazza Anfiteatro. is the Basilica of San Frediano.

Originally dedicated to San Vincenzo It was renamed in honor of the saint Frediano,  a bishop from Ireland who came to Lucca and established the church. He  is buried in the crypt. The original church was built in the 6th century and the present building was begun in 1112 and dedicated in 1147.

. During the 13th century there were renovations that added the incredible mosaics on the facade and other decorations. The exterior boasts a rounded apse adorned with bands of white marble, and a tall bell tower.

The medieval interior is dim, but the columns lining the nave are from the Roman amphitheater. The side chapels are decked out in fresco cycles. Absolutely to see is  the exquisitely carved baptismal font.