Build between the 11th and 14th centuries, San Michele in Foro is named after the Roman forum that used to stand at this intersection of the Roman street grid in the center of Lucca. The Romanesque facade is much more ornate and larger than the church that was eventually built; the money ran out before the church was completed. Local son Puccini started as a choir boy at San Michele.
What else is unique about San Michele? Well, the facade features busts of important men of the age rather than mythological or biblical people. See the detail picture for some wild carvings.
That's the archangel Michele on top, who evidently sports wings that articulate, so during festivals they can flap away wildly or in high winds they can be retracted. Legend has it that as long as St. Michael stays on top of the church, Lucca is safe.
Explore more about Lucca's Church of San Michele in Foro through our pictures.
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