Santa Maria Corteorlandini, Lucca, Romanesque church in Lucca, Italy
Santa Maria Corteorlandini is a church in Lucca that blends Romanesque, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural styles throughout its structure. Its interior holds numerous artworks including silver and lapis lazuli tabernacles, painted ceilings, and frescoes created across different artistic periods.
The church was built on a site that excavations in 2017 revealed contained a necropolis from the 6th century. This discovery shows that religious structures existed at this location long before the present building was constructed.
The church became known locally as Santa Maria Nera for centuries because it holds an exact replica of the Holy House of Loreto. This feature made the place an important pilgrimage destination for people in the region.
The brick bell tower dating to the 14th century stands prominently beside the main building and serves as a clear landmark for orientation. The church is centrally located in Lucca and can be easily reached on foot.
During the 1580s the church became the most important cultural center in Lucca, gaining significant influence over the city's artistic development. This role elevated it to a gathering place for creative and spiritual life in the region.
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