Church of St. Thomas (Chiesa di San Tommaso), Lucca

The Church of Saint Thomas, also known as San Tommaso in Pelleria, is a Romanesque-style Roman Catholic church in central Lucca. The site has hosted a church since the 8th century, but the current structure largely dates from a reconstruction undertaken during the 12th and 13th centuries.

The church’s 13th-century facade presents a simple yet elegant white limestone surface, featuring a single oculus above the entrance and a central portal adorned with marble and dark stone decorations. The design elements of the portal are attributed to a craftsman of Guidetto. While the exterior retains its medieval character, the interior has undergone significant transformations, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting Baroque influences.

Inside, the church houses several important artworks. Notable pieces include Saint Anthony of Padua by Giovanni Domenico Ferrucci and The Sermon of Saint Francis Xavier by Antonio Franchi. The presbytery also contains three large canvases by Giovanni Coli and Filippo Gherardi: The Immaculate Conception, The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, and The Martyrdom of Saint Thomas. The main altarpiece is an icon of the Madonna, originally transferred from the Monastery of Santa Giustina.

The church features a small bell tower located near the apse. The tower houses a set of four bells, cast by the Magni Foundry in 1949. Additionally, a smaller bell, cast in 1886 and dedicated to Saint Flora, is positioned on the floor below the belfry and is the only one in the set with an automation system.

With its blend of Romanesque architecture and later Baroque influences, the Church of Saint Thomas in Lucca stands as a testament to the city's evolving artistic and religious heritage.