Piazza San Michele (San Michele Square), Lucca

San Michele Square (Piazza San Michele), often called Piazza delle Catene due to its marble columns linked by heavy chains, is one of the most historic and atmospheric squares in Lucca. Its name is derived from the grand Church of San Michele in Foro, which dominates the square with its elaborate Romanesque Gothic façade. Originally established in the 8th century, the church once stood alongside a monastery and a hospice. During medieval times, the piazza was encircled by the Fossa Natali canal, requiring visitors to cross a wooden bridge, Ponte al Foro, to access the church.

The Church of San Michele is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, featuring four tiers of loggias and an imposing marble statue of Archangel Michael slaying a dragon. A local legend whispers that on the sunniest days, an emerald embedded in the statue still gleams-a relic of the past, hidden in plain sight. The church's bell tower, built in the 12th century, was originally taller but was shortened by Giovanni dell’Agnello, Doge of Pisa, to diminish Lucca’s skyline.

The square is framed by medieval buildings, many of which showcase round arches and mullioned windows. Notable among them is Praetorian Palace (Palazzo Pretorio), a striking Renaissance structure located at the corner of Via Vittorio Veneto. Its façade boasts an ornate clock, and within its loggia stand monuments to Matteo Civitali, the renowned Lucchese architect, along with busts of explorer Piaggia and the heroic Strocchi.

Another eye-catching landmark in the square is the statue of Francesco Burlamacchi, sculpted by Ulisse Cambi in 1863. Burlamacchi, a fervent republican and former Gonfaloniere of Lucca, was executed in the 16th century for his ambitious political vision.

Nearby, the Gigli Palace, constructed in 1529, adds to the grandeur of the square. Meanwhile, a bronze statue of Matteo Civitali, crafted by Arnaldo Fazzi, serves as a tribute to the city's artistic heritage.

With its rich blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, San Michele Square remains one of Lucca’s most vibrant spaces, seamlessly merging history, legend, and daily life.