San Frediano
San Frediano features a magnificent 13th century mosaic of The Ascension. Inside is an even better treat - the body of one of Lucca's patron saints, Santa Zita.
Above: Santa Zita. Her body is brought out once a year to be touched by the devout. Born 1218, died 27 April, 1278. Canonised 1696. The Legend of Santa Zita
Zita was born in Monsagrati, a small village not far from Lucca.
She was employed as a domestic by the Fatinelli family in Lucca, and every day she would give away leftover bread to the local poor.
Mr. and Mrs. Fatinelli were good people who had several workers. Zita was happy to be able to work and send money to her parents. She tried to live responsibly. She formed habits of praying that fit in with her schedule. She rose early to go to daily Mass. Zita was diligent in her work. She felt it was part of her very self. But the other workers were annoyed. They tried to do as little as they could get away with. They began to pick on Zita and oppose her without their employers noticing. Zita was hurt but she prayed for patience. She never told on the workers. She insisted on doing her work as well as possible no matter what they thought.
When one of the workers tried to kiss her, Zita fought him off. He left the room with several scratches on his face. Mr. Fatinelli questioned her privately about the incident. She told him honestly what had happened. After that, Zita became the head housekeeper. The Fatinelli children were placed under her care. Best of all, the other workers stopped persecuting her. Some even began to imitate her.
A jealous fellow employee betrayed her to the owner of the house, who in turn challenged her.
When he asked her what she had in her apron, legend has it that flowers fell out instead of the original bread.
Zita spent her whole life with the Fatinelli family. While others came and went, she stayed. She served them lovingly. She loved them like she loved her own family. By her example, she helped people see that work is beautiful when it is done with Christian love. Zita died peacefully on April 27,1278. She was sixty years old.
On April 27th, 1278, the bell of the church of San Frediano (near where Zita worked and lodged) was heard to ring. What was strange was that nobody was pulling the ropes -- The ringing is said to have coincided with Zita's last breath.
From Welcome Tuscany website
San Michele in Foro
Built on the site of the old Roman forum. Its facade is a fabulous example of Pisan-Romaensque architecture. Every column is different. ost of the decorations are pagan. It was built between the 11th and 14th centuries. There is a huge winged figure of St Matthew on the pediment.
The Cathedral - San Martino The campanile was built first, so the facade looks rather cramped. The campanile was begun in 1060 as a defensive tower. The facade dates from 1204.
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