Church of San Micheletto, Lucca

The Church of San Micheletto in Lucca is a historic Catholic church with origins tracing back to the eighth century. It was initially founded as San Michele in Cipriano in 720, outside the San Gervasio gate. Like many churches dedicated to the archangel Michael, it was established by the Lombards and became an important religious site. Today, only four small pillars from this ancient structure remain, embedded in the north wall, featuring spiral decorations of remarkable precision.

The church was rebuilt in the late 12th century, with the remaining north side showcasing refined masonry of sandstone and white limestone. Its portal, featuring a spiral plant motif and two figures, is attributed to Biduino's workshop, active in Lucca and Pisa.

In the fifteenth century, a monastic complex developed around the church, used by the Poor Clares. The cloister from this era, supported by octagonal pillars, remains a significant architectural feature. The entire structure was extensively renovated in the eighteenth century, though only the north side retains its original medieval appearance, with square ashlars topped by molded hanging arches.

The early nineteenth century brought drastic changes under the rule of Napoleon’s sister, Elisa Baciocchi, who sought to redesign this part of Lucca into a courtly district. The church and convent of San Micheletto were seized by the state and repurposed as stables and service rooms for nearby palaces. This reconfiguration was part of a larger urban project that included the renovation of Villa Bottini and the construction of new administrative buildings.

Today, the former church is owned by the Savings Bank of Lucca (Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca) and serves as a cultural center. It hosts the Licia and Carlo L. Ragghianti Art Study Center Foundation and the IMT Alti Studi Lucca State University. Numerous art and cultural initiatives take place within its walls, preserving the historical significance of this once-sacred space while adapting it to contemporary intellectual and artistic pursuits.