It was the first see of the bishops of the diocese. At the beginning of the 8th century the dignity of cathedral was transferred to San Martino and it retained the right to the baptismal font.
The ancient Roman forum used to stand here and it is up to this very day the center of life in Lucca. The marvelous pavement is made of bricks arranged with a herringbone pattern.
Right at the center of the nave we find the Chapel of the Volto Santo (Holy Face) by Matteo Civitali, and the Crucifix of the Volto Santo, one of the greatest masterpieces in sacred wooden sculpture
