San Michele in Foro

Welcome to San Michele in Foro, one of the most celebrated and architecturally stunning churches in Lucca. The name 'in Foro' reveals its ancient secret: this church is located on the exact site of the ancient Roman Forum, which…

As you approach the church, start by examining the ground level of the facade. This lower section is characterized by a series of 'blind arcades'—arches that are built into the wall rather than being open. …

Look up now at the four tiers of superimposed loggias that rise above the ground level. This is the most famous feature of San Michele in Foro and is unlike any other facade in Lucca. …

At the very peak of the facade stands a massive, four-meter-tall statue of the Archangel Michael. He is depicted in the act of slaying a dragon, a classic symbol of the triumph of good over evil. …

Step inside the church, and you will notice a dramatic shift in atmosphere. While the exterior is bright and decorative, the interior is somber, dark, and austere—a classic characteristic of Romanesque architecture. …

Just a stone's throw away from the church of San Michele, in the small piazza across the street, is the house where Giacomo Puccini was born in 1858. The celebrated composer of 'La Bohème' and 'Tosca' is Lucca's most famous son,…

To truly appreciate San Michele in Foro, you must step back into the square and look at how the church fits into the wider city. The piazza itself follows the boundaries of the ancient Roman Forum, and you can still see where the…

As we conclude our journey at San Michele in Foro, take a final look at that 'incredible facade' and the 'Archangel slaying the dragon.' You have seen one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy, a building…

As we conclude our journey at San Michele in Foro, take a final look up at the tiers of marble and the triumphant figure of the Archangel. This church is a masterpiece of both faith and ambition, a building that uses its site on…