Lucca is the city of the “Volto Santo”, a wooden cross venerated since medieval times, which over the course of history has become the city’s symbol. It’s not
surprising then that the solemnest religious festivity is that of the Holy Cross. On the eve of the 13th of September, an impressive procession, illuminated by millions
of candles, winds through the streets of Lucca , concluding with a great fireworks display. The parishes of the Diocese, voluntary groups, Confraternities, religious
authorities, the Chapter of the Cathedral with the archbishop and civil authorities, groups dressed in traditional historic costumes and representatives of the
association of Lucchese people in the world, take part in the procession. In accordance with an old custom, everyone carries their own candle in honour of the
simulacrum, a gesture which in the past expressed the community of the Lucchesia’s submission to the hegemonic city. The procession follows the route taken by the
statue when it was moved from the church of San Frediano to the cathedral of San Martino. The most important “stations” of the procession are Piazza San Michele
and Piazza Napoleone, which represent the city centre and the seat of political power. At the end of the procession, the chant “Il Mottettone” is performed in the
church Cathedral , a piece of music which is composed each year by the best local musicians.
Details:
in macchina parcheggiare fuori Porta Santa Maria. Oltrepassata la porta percorrere via della cavallerizza fino a Piazza San Frediano.
Archdiocese of Lucca, Council of Lucca
The wooden cross, today kept in the cathedral of San Martino and universally known as the “Volto Santo” (Holy Face), has been venerated since medieval times.
The “Volto Santo” cult spread throughout the Lucchesia between the 10th and 12th century. Official arrangements regulating participation in the illuminations of the
13th of September, have been attested since 1261. Since the 13th century, the image was used on coins and in small designs along the streets to show that the
territory belonged to Lucca.
The traditional account concerning the crosses’ construction and its arrival, is peppered with miraculous events and divine
intervention.
According to legend, the crucifix was carved by Nicodemus, the member of the Sanhedrin who was against Jesus’ condemnation, but the face was
made by angels while Nicodemus was asleep. The sculpture, hidden in a cave for centuries, was rediscovered in the 8th century (by divine intervention) by Bishop
Gualfredo.
During that period, in the Chrisitan part of the east, holy images were destroyed because it was claimed that they encouraged idolatry. In order to
save the sculpture, Gualfredo put it in a ship that was pushed out to sea. The ship arrived in Luni, where the Bishop of Lucca Giovanni (780-801), who was warned
in a dream by an angel of its arrival, was waiting on it. Controversy between the inhabitants of Luni and the Lucchese arose as to who had the right to keep the
sculpture. The question was resolved by placing the crucifix on a cart pulled along by oxen without a driver. The oxen headed towards Lucca.