The church houses the remains of Luigi Boccherini, repatriated from Spain in 1869.
The interior is one of the largest single-nave spaces in Lucca, designed to accommodate large preaching congregations.
The complex served as a barracks for soldiers during the Napoleonic occupation, which caused significant damage to the interior artworks.
It is the only church in Lucca that currently operates as a professional-grade acoustic auditorium for classical music.
The facade contains a sculpture of St. Francis receiving the stigmata.
The church was converted into a military depot in the 19th century, leading to the whitewashing of many original medieval frescoes.
The floor contains several historical ledger stones marking the burials of prominent Lucchese noble families.
The Chiesa di San Francesco in Lucca is a 13th-century Franciscan church notable for its large, single-nave interior and an expansive wooden truss roof. The structure was significantly restored in the early 21st century and now serves as a multipurpose venue for concerts and cultural exhibitions alongside its religious functions. It houses the tomb of the renowned composer Luigi Boccherini, who was born in Lucca. The complex includes an adjoining convent featuring two distinct cloisters from the 14th and 15th centuries. The interior walls showcase remnants of frescoes from the 14th century, many attributed to the school of Giotto. The building is characterized by its austere Italian Gothic architecture and a facade featuring a prominent lunette above the portal.
From the center of the first cloister looking back toward the church tower.
Walk through both the main church and the adjacent cloisters to see the full architectural restoration.
Check the local cultural event calendar, as the building often hosts high-quality chamber music performances.
Take time to observe the timber roof structure, which is a rare, well-preserved example of medieval carpentry.
Do not mistake the modern event signage for commercial advertising; the church functions as a cultural hub.
Occasionally closed to the public during private musical rehearsals or special ticketed events.
Shoulders and knees must be covered. Maintain silence as it is a place of worship and a sensitive acoustic space.
