While in Lucca, we stopped in the San Michele in Foro church. I believe this was the location of a rather bizarre mummy entombed in a glass coffin in the semicircular apse. The face is looking to the right, with what appears to be a mask over the skull, and the right hand is raised, as if pointing. I have not been able to find any information on this since we returned from our trip. I am beginning to believe that I imagined it, except that I have pictures! Does anyone know anything about this?
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1951 posts
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/incorruptible-st-zita
This doesn't match your description, but how many mummies do we suppose there are in Lucca?
Posted by
Tampa, FL
641 posts
I was in Lucca last week and have the same picture. It is the corpse of San Davino, an Armenian pilgrim from the 11th century. I saw this info on this link - https://www.alamy.com/san-michele-lucca-italy-the-altar-with-a-12c-crucifix-and-the-corpse-of-san-davino-an-11c-armenian-pilgrim-who-is-said-to-have-miraculous-powers-image208147309.html
Hope this helps.
Posted by
OP
197 posts
No, Lane, that is not the one we saw. But that is the only one we can find any information on. And I don’t know how to attach a photo to this post. Hopefully someone else knows.
Posted by
OP
197 posts
Yes! Kathy H! That’s it! Thank you so much. I’m glad to know that I’m not crazy!
Posted by
Tampa, FL
641 posts
You're very welcome! Lucca was a nice change of pace from busy Florence.
Posted by
College Park, MD, USA
9 posts
Maybe you are thinking of Santa Zita in the church of San Frediano.
Santa Zita is mentioned in Dante's Inferno.
Posted by
OP
197 posts
No, Frank. Not the same at all. Kathy H. Identified it as San Davino in the San Michele Church. Apparently his body was restored and has been on display since June of this year.
Posted by
College Park, MD, USA
9 posts
Very true, sorry about that!
Posted by
OP
197 posts
Ha, Ryan T! So true! It was bizarre!!!!