Church of San Romano, Lucca

The Church of San Romano in Lucca is a historic site located in Romano Square. Originally part of a Dominican convent, it has played a significant role in both the religious and civic life of the city. Consecrated in 1281, the church's construction was initiated by the influential Savonarola family. Despite its importance, the building has undergone numerous structural transformations over the centuries, altering its appearance and architectural features.

Next to the Ducal Palace in Lucca, the Church of San Romano was once unremarkable due to its unfinished exterior. Records from 1372 mention five chapels in a single room, but a grand reconstruction in 1661 transformed it into a hub for the city's elite. Today, noble family tombs remain, highlighting their historical significance.

The Church of San Romano, built by the Dominican Order with bricks from the Augusta fortress, blends Romanesque and Baroque styles. Its stone structure features arched windows and columns, with a 13th-century nave and a 17th-century Baroque redesign. Recent restorations aim to restore its original splendor.

The church’s bell tower, with sturdy stonework below and intricate brickwork above, enhances its striking form. Highlights include a 13th-century bas-relief of Saint Roman and Matteo Civitali’s 1490 tomb of San Romano. Inside, visitors can admire Fra Bartolommeo’s Madonna della Misericordia, painted during his stay at the adjoining convent.

Today, the Church of San Romano functions as an auditorium, with renovations adapting it for performances and events. Its exterior now serves as an exhibition space, blending history with modern cultural use, ensuring its place as a key landmark in Lucca.