Lucca - Santi Giovanni e Reparata

Lucca existed already in Etruscan times and became a Roman colony in 180 BC. The Diocese of Lucca dates back to the first century, legends tell, that St. Paulinus, a disciple of St. Peter, was the first Bishop of Lucca. In medieval times Lucca was the residence of the Margraves of Tuscany. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), Lucca constituted itself as an independent republic. Actually the "Republic of Lucca" existed from 1160 to 1805.

A church existed here already during the 5th century, but "Santi Giovanni e Reparata", seen here, is of course much younger. Actually the earliest church was the seat of the bishop, before the duomo (in the background) was built. Unfortunately "Santi Giovanni e Reparatata" was closed. I would have liked to see the excavation, the crypt and above all the baptistery.