Jamie O'Donnell

I do not have the words of a poet to describe how overwhelmingly opulent, ornate, and beautiful is this Basilica. I can't begin to imagine the skill and craft of countless painters, sculptors, stonemasons, carpenters, and so many more who contributed to this masterpiece. You should, if you can see for yourself, but I hope my photos show some of the beauty.

April 17, 2024
C & J

Amazing collection of musical instruments - including many pianos, organs harps, harpsichords, stringed and wind instruments, and so much more. Housed in a beautifully renovated building with its own rich history of use, the instruments are displayed across two floors. For the modest entrance fee of €6 per adult ticket (April 2024), you can spend, as we did several hours exploring the galleries. Because a great many of the larger instruments are not enclosed, you will find museum proctors will be very visible. We struck up quite a conversation with one who was with us, Lorena (spelled correctly, I hope), who was very generous with their time explaining what she knew about the collection.
I was particularly struck by the mechanical organ, which was built in a case which is the facade of the Cathedral of Siena. The second equally large piece in this gallery is a storage case for rolls used in the mechanical organ, and it is the Cathedral of Orvieto! Remarkable.

We're going back Friday night for a concert where musicians will perform on some of the historical instruments.

April 17, 2024
C & J

This bulwark has areas open below inside the wall and a pedestrian path through the wall.

Beautiful. Magnificent. Glorious. It is difficult to put in to words the experience of visiting a cathedral such as this.
A highlight of Lucca.
I'll let the pictures try to show how beautiful it is.
I've added more pictures under updates as well.

It is a very beautiful ornate church. Visiting is welcome with free entry. The church is not a museum, so be aware of and respectful of parishioners who may be praying and that masses occur.