Also known as the “black Christ of Lucca” (for the color of the dark brown wood), it is an imposing wooden crucifix of 2.24 meters which, according to the legend of the writer Deacon Leobino, would be the true and only face of Christ.

Arrived to us, well in 2020 completely intact, it leaves us perplexed to think that that crucifix, guest in his isolated chapel inside the Cathedral of San Martino in Lucca, is approximately 1100 years old.

In fact, until now the word legend was always used to tell its story, but a sensational discovery just last week surprised us, changing the cards on the table.

For those unfamiliar with the vicissitudes of this crucifix, he has really been through a lot. It is said that he was carved by the soldier Nicodemus with walnut wood, to pass on the true likeness of Jesus Christ. In making his face he was helped by Divine Grace because he was unable to sculpt it. Once finished, the Crucifix was hidden until the eighth century and finally in 782 the Holy Face was solemnly transported to Lucca.

The cult of the Holy Face, since the Middle Ages, has brought thousands of pilgrims who, during their journey of faith, could not miss the stop in Lucca to visit the miraculous wooden statue. Among his most important miracles is the “miracle of the slipper” or perhaps it sounds better to say the “Miracle of the silver shoe”.

A few days ago the news was made official by the National Institute of Nuclear Physics CHNet in Florence which confirms the originality of the work.

Take the opportunity to get to know him closely by participating in one of my thematic tours available in July. See the calendar below.

Truffle hunt in Tuscany

We all are (I am!) in LOVE with truffles: in pasta, on meat or on a simple piece of bread. It doesn't matter how it is presented, it is a delight. In 2022, the price of the white truffle, the most valuable of all due to its rarity, was over five thousand euro per...

Art is not boring

On April 8, 1820, the beautiful and enigmatic Venus de Milo was found on the island of Milo in Greece. Now in the Louvre Museum in Paris. It’s the most famous statue in the world and one of the most revered goddesses of classical antiquity. You can also call...

Which leaning tower? We have three!

A select few (or rather, a few curious ones) know that in Pisa we not only have the famous leaning tower, which became even more famous in January 2020 when it was also photographed from Corsica 190 km away, ... but we have three! During my tours I always jokingly...

There’s not only the Devil’s Bridge

All those who take the highway to go to the sea see that wonderful aqueduct that accompanies travelers by car for a few seconds. Few people know that it was built by the great architect from Segromigno – Lucca, Lorenzo Nottolini. That aqueduct in 1833 will bring clean...

Fina from San Gimignano

You can’t say you know San Gimignano if you don’t know who Santa Fina is. Serafina or Iosefina Ciardi, for friends Fina, is a very young blessed who lived in the mid-1200s. From an early age she cultivated a great devotion to the Madonna, in fact it is said that she...

“I don’t know where to go” is no longer an excuse

In full heat and with the fear of a faint, we arrived in Buggiano Castello. What to say? after facing the super climb you say “wow, it was worth it”. Also known as the “Borgo degli citrus” because it enjoys a particularly mild microclimate. Focus and admire the...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

A village inhabited since prehistoric times and known thanks to its thermal baths, San Giuliano is located in a favorable geographical position: in the province of Pisa and at the same time not far from Lucca. The main attraction is undoubtedly the establishment of...

The curious case of Colle Val d’Elsa

There are villages that do not exist … yes, this sentence made me laugh but unfortunately it has something of reality. While looking for a village to combine with a guided tour while going to San Gimignano I found Colle Val d’Elsa, one of these jewel-like villages...

Stroll to get lost

t’s Sunday, you weren’t able to sleep late because obviously you woke up at 8 am, you’ve already had breakfast… what are you going to do? or It’s Sunday, you would like to be in touch with nature (but not too much) you are not a super sportive one (like to do 8 hours...

Italy as we know it

Italy is divided into 20 regions (use this official link Italia.it to know the “boot”) The total land area of Italy is approximately 301,328 square kilometres. The regions are divided into provinces, 110 in all, varying dramatically in size. Tuscany it’s a REGION....
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