Church of San Michele In Foro. It is probably the most photographed church in Lucca. The facade is really quite delightful. It has a high ribbed and richly sculpted facade which gives the impression of a propped-up film set because the windows look through into thin air! Why? Because money ran out before that part of the church could be raised to the level of the facade. Interestingly, every single column is different. Some of the columns are elaborately carved; some are twisted and spiralling; others are like a striped pole. The figure at the top is the archangel, and the wings are hinged and may be retracted if the wind is strong enough! If the sun is at the right angle, you may see a glimmer up above, which would be the jewel in a ring on the hand of the statue. The whole building is covered by barrel vaults with lunettes. The walls are of perfectly squared limestone blocks. This church is dedicated to St. Michael, the archangel (probably the statue of the Archangel represents Michael). The church supposedly was finished in 1,000 and rebuilt in 1122. This church is really a basilica with three aisles and semicircular apse. -from virtualtourist.com Lucca, Italy

VACATIONS2007 France ItalyItaly