Lucca, il Volto Santo e la via Francigena

"It is difficult to overstate the importance that Lucca has had for pilgrimage, situated as it is at the center of the Italian section of the Via Francigena, with the presence of the distinguished relic of the Holy Face attracting devotees from all over Europe..." With these words, the Archbishop of Lucca, Paolo Giulietti, opens his introduction to Ilaria Sabbatini's book, Lucca, the Holy Face, and the Via Francigena, highlighting the three themes covered in this concise and information-rich volume. The Holy Face was venerated not only by the people of Lucca but also by the numerous pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena, for which Lucca was a significant hub. Similarly, the Holy Face became a symbol and protector of the wealthy Lucchese communities spread throughout Italy and Europe, appearing on various Lucchese coins from the "Grosso" of Ottone to the Scudo d'Oro, the Zecchino, and the Double Scudo. Thus, there are many topics related to this image, which is certainly an identity marker for the city of Lucca, but also rich with analytical insights to explore various themes connected to its cult. These include pilgrimage, medieval road systems, the historical and material analysis of the work itself in relation to contemporary wooden sculptures, the cult of relics, and the miraculous stories and legends associated with them.