Church of St. Alexander (Chiesa di Sant'Alessandro), Lucca

The Church of Saint Alexander, also known as Sant’Alessandro Maggiore, is a Romanesque-style Roman Catholic parish church in Lucca. First documented in 893, this church exemplifies medieval classicism, preserving elements of Roman architectural tradition in a period otherwise dominated by medieval design.

The church follows the layout of a Romanesque basilica, with a notably austere facade that conveys a sense of classical sobriety. Despite later modifications, the structure retains elements of an older church, whose origins remain debated. The building's remarkable similarity to Roman architecture, alongside its well-preserved medieval classicism, aligns it with significant historical sites like the Baptistry in Florence and the Basilica of San Salvatore in Spoleto.

The facade is clad in polished limestone slabs arranged in alternating bands, not just for decoration but as a compositional feature reminiscent of Roman monuments. The lower bands ripple subtly, while the upper ones highlight structural nodes. Its symmetrical design around the portal echoes the Visigothic Chapel of São Frutuoso de Montélios, though Sant’Alessandro’s facade remains exceptionally well-preserved. Classical elements like a podium, plinth, and attic base enhance its architectural integrity. The structured symmetry extends inside, where alternating stone bands create an ordered aesthetic, akin to the Mausoleum of Theodoric or the Dome of the Rock.

Sant’Alessandro’s interior maintains a Roman-inspired aesthetic, structured around a clear liturgical route. Variations in marble color and paired capitals define functional areas, following early Christian basilica principles. Sculptural motifs balance vegetal and geometric elements, recalling Augustan-era designs. Unlike typical Romanesque churches in Lucca, its classical continuity stands out, though 12th-century features reflect Biduino’s influence.

The Church of Saint Alexander is a rare example of Roman architectural tradition enduring into the Middle Ages. Its classical influences, geometric precision, and symmetry make it one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval classicist structures, marking it as a key historical and architectural landmark in Lucca.