Tempietto del Volto Santo, Renaissance marble aedicula in Lucca Cathedral, Italy
Tempietto del Volto Santo is an octagonal marble structure positioned in the left nave of Lucca Cathedral with carved ornaments and fluted columns. The structure has three openings that allow different views of the wooden crucifix and is topped by a late Gothic roof.
The shrine was built in 1484 by Matteo Civitali to house the Volto Santo crucifix and replaced an earlier chapel. This change shows how devotion to this important crucifix evolved in the city.
The shrine displays classical masks and fruit garlands that reflect devotion to the crucifix and shape the space around this holy object. This decoration shows how important the Volto Santo is to the faithful in Lucca.
Visitors can easily reach the shrine from the left side of the cathedral and enjoy different perspectives thanks to the three openings. The interior is well lit so the wooden crucifix is clearly visible.
A Latin inscription beneath a marble statue of Saint Sebastian is the only reminder of the original chapel that once stood here. This hidden text tells a story of transformation that many visitors overlook.
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