Santa Giulia, Lucca, Romanesque church in historic center, Lucca, Italy
Santa Giulia is a Romanesque church in the historic center of Lucca with a brick and marble facade divided into three sections. The central portal is topped by a mullioned window, and decorative sculptures adorn the surface throughout.
Excavations inside the church revealed burial sites from the 7th century, pointing to an origin before written records existed. The structure was first documented in the 10th century as an established building.
The church displays sculptured women's heads with elongated necks on its facade, where one figure with braids represents Saint Giulia in Lombard tradition. These carved details tell of local beliefs and medieval artistic expression.
The church sits next to the Guinigi Tower in the historic center, making it easy to reach while exploring Lucca's medieval landmarks. The location works well for a brief stop while walking through the old town.
The sculptures on the facade feature women's heads carved with unusual artistic detail rarely seen on churches in the region. This distinctive sculptural choice makes the surface a visual feature that many visitors overlook.
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