Saint Andrea of Gattaiola

Lucca, Gattaiola

There are records of a small religious building with a single nave in the area from the 8^th century. This was incorporated in a new structure with two side aisles and apse in the 12^th century. These phases are visible in the façade, where an early-medieval piece has been reused as a jamb’s capital in the central portal. The "Estimo" of 1260 records the Church of S. Andrea as suffragan of the small Parish Church of Vicopelago, along with a Monastery of S. Maria, named Gattaiola, and S. Andrea of Pozzuolo. The church was altered in the early 20^th century, removing nearly all traces of the heavy 17^th century restoration that mostly regarded the interior. However some works from this phase do remain. In particular, a painting of the Adoration of the Holy Sacrament, a work by Pietro Paolini commissioned by his brother Michelangelo, rector of the church, bears testimony both to the two recently canonized saints San Carlo Borromeo and San Felice da Cantalice and the local following for the teachings of the then expanding Counter-reform. The high altar was served by a Society of the same name, as was the altar of the Rosario, which still has a 17^th century painting.
The church celebrates its consecration on February 7^th. According to the "Pastoral visit" of 1932, Bishop Guido III took part in this event in 1202.