Mercato del Carmine, Former church and market hall in Lucca, Italy
The Mercato del Carmine is a large Renaissance structure in central Lucca that was once a church and now functions as a market hall. The building features high ceilings, spacious windows, and a former bell tower that now serves as a clock tower.
The building was created in medieval times as the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine for Carmelite monks. When religious orders were disbanded in the area around 1866, the church was converted into a market.
The market serves as a gathering place where locals shop for food and meet throughout the week. It also hosts concerts and art exhibitions, blending everyday commerce with cultural events.
The market is easily accessible on foot from central Lucca and operates daily with seasonal closures on certain days. The hall is well-lit and simple to navigate, with clear sections for different types of vendors.
During the 1930s conversion from church to market, workers unexpectedly discovered old frescoes hidden beneath layers of old paint and plaster. These artworks had been concealed for centuries and offer a glimpse of the building's original appearance.
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