Chiesa dei Santi Paolino e Donato

Santi Paolino e Donato is the only church in Lucca built entirely in the Renaissance style. Rebuilt in the early sixteenth century after the discovery of San Paolino’s remains and the loss of the nearby church of San Donato, it was dedicated to Saints Paolino and Donato.

Why it matters

The church preserves Lucca’s devotion to San Paolino alongside its musical and civic history. A painting inside recalls the 1664 cannon incident during the saint’s feast, when a cannon fired toward the crowd but no one was injured; local tradition credits Paolino’s intervention. The church was also the Puccini family’s parish, and Giacomo Puccini’s Mass for four voices with orchestra was first performed here on 12 July 1880.

What to notice

The simple façade has statues of Paolino and Donato beside the main door. Inside, stone finishes and a barrel vault distinguish the space, whose original furnishings include several paintings connected with the history of the city. A counterfaçade image shows San Paolino carrying Lucca; Baldassarre di Biagio’s Coronation of the Virgin in the left transept includes a view of the medieval city; and the large painting of the 1664 event in the right transept looks down on the walls and the Porta San Donato.

Context and history

Initially dedicated to San Giorgio, the church was rebuilt after Paolino’s remains were discovered in 1261 and after the nearby church of San Donato was destroyed. The new building was designed by Baccio da Montelupo and dedicated to Saints Paolino and Donato. The church remains closely associated with the civic and religious traditions honouring San Paolino, Lucca’s patron saint.