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San Giovanni e Reparata Complex

4.5
·398 reviews·Lucca, Italy

Discover ancient Roman ruins beneath a historic church and enjoy enchanting Puccini concerts in Lucca.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evening concerts

Magical atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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San Giovanni e Reparata Complex - Image 1

San Giovanni e Reparata Complex

Best Time

Evening concerts

Magical atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient Roman ruins beneath a historic church and enjoy enchanting Puccini concerts in Lucca.

4.5
(398 reviews)

"The church's decoration and atmosphere add beautifully to the experience, making it special."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Concert Ticket Info

Concert tickets are not free; expect around €30. Credit cards may not be accepted, so bring cash.

📖 Libretto Purchase

For a better understanding, pay extra for the Italian and English libretto to follow along with the performances.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Puccini Concerts

Puccini Concerts

Inside the church

Experience short, accessible opera performances featuring Puccini's masterpieces. A treat for both opera novices and aficionados.

Roman Excavations

Roman Excavations

Underground

Descend to discover original worship areas dating back over 2,000 years. A fascinating glimpse into the site's ancient past.

Impressive Cupola

Impressive Cupola

Exterior

Admire the imposing brick cupola of the church, a significant architectural feature visible from the surrounding area.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Puccini

The San Giovanni e Reparata Complex often hosts Puccini concerts. These are shorter, accessible performances perfect for opera newcomers. Check schedules in advance as they can vary.

Tickets & Underground Exploration

While some sources mention free events, expect a fee for Puccini concerts. A combined ticket with the Duomo and museum is available and valid for a week, allowing you to explore the Roman excavations below.

Best Times

When
Evening concerts
Why
Magical atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Daytime for excavations
Why
Explore ancient history
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Gli occhiali, Davide Avolio 👓 GIOVEDÌ 25 APRILE Lucca Classica - Dialogo sui valori della Nona di Beethoven 📍Lucca, Chiesa dei Servi, 21:15 LUNEDÌ 29 APRILE “Assaggi di Genovese” spettacolo-reading di poesia performativa| 20:30 📍Napoli, Luca’s Pub - Via Morghen 137 Prenotazione obbligatoria a 081 5560070 o @lucaspub SABATO 18 MAGGIO “Assaggi di Genovese” spettacolo-reading di poesia performativa|...
@davideavolio23
95.7K likes • 675.9K views

🎟️ Concert Ticket Info

Concert tickets are not free; expect around €30. Credit cards may not be accepted, so bring cash. Reddit

📖 Libretto Purchase

For a better understanding, pay extra for the Italian and English libretto to follow along with the performances. Reddit

Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Reparata, Lucca. In scena le donne di Puccini #giacomopuccini🎭🎶 #giacomopuccini #tosca #lafanciulladelwest #turandot #larondine #madamebutterfly #suorangelica #laboheme #giannischicchi #manonlescaut #lírica #baritono #tenore #soprano #mezzosoprano @pierleonimichele #lucca #puccinifestival
pierre55_87
8 likes • 0 views

🏛️ Combined Ticket Value

A week-long combined ticket for Duomo, bell tower, and San Giovanni is a great deal for exploring multiple sites. Reddit

🎶 Excellent Acoustics

The church's acoustics are bright and excellent for singers, enhancing the concert experience. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Concert Ticket Info

Concert tickets are not free; expect around €30. Credit cards may not be accepted, so bring cash. Reddit

📖 Libretto Purchase

For a better understanding, pay extra for the Italian and English libretto to follow along with the performances. Reddit

🏛️ Combined Ticket Value

A week-long combined ticket for Duomo, bell tower, and San Giovanni is a great deal for exploring multiple sites. Reddit

🎶 Excellent Acoustics

The church's acoustics are bright and excellent for singers, enhancing the concert experience. Reddit

🎤 Talented Performers

Performers are classy, well-trained, and deliver enjoyable musical tidbits from Puccini's operas. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(398 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the San Giovanni e Reparata Complex for its excellent acoustics and the quality of its Puccini concerts, often described as a magical experience. The underground Roman excavations are a significant draw, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient history. Some visitors were surprised by the ticket prices for concerts, which are not free, and recommend purchasing the libretto for a better understanding of the performances.

"The reason I visited the church was to attend a small opera, inspired by Puccini. It’s an ideal performance if you’re new to the world of opera, short, accessible, and very enjoyable. However, if you’re expecting a full four-hour Vienna-style opera experience, this might not be what you’re looking for. The church’s decoration and atmosphere add beautifully to the experience, making it special. I enjoyed it, and you are especially lucky if Olympia Hetherington is performing."

Charlie

"Inside Santi Giovanni is another tower to climb and an underground display of the original area of worship (which used to be the ground level), some of which dates back over 2,000 years. Unmissable. And the combined Cathedral-Musuem-Chiesa ticket lasts for a week, so you can climb the two towers of the Chiesa and Duomo on different days if you wish."

Graham Rigby

"The 7:00 p.m. nightly Puccini concert was wonderful! The selections are brief so even those who can't tolerate long opera can enjoy these musical tidbits! The performers are classy and extremely well-trained. The setting is magnificent!

My only warning is that if you read that these are free, as we had done, don't believe it! The cost is €30 per person and they do not take credit cards! As shocking as it was for us when we expected it to be free, I must say it was still worthwhile! And one other piece of advice, if you want to understand the words pay the extra €5 to get the libretto in Italian and English. Then the program for the night directs you to a particular page where you can follow along in the Italian and glance to the right to see the English. It makes the short performances much more interesting!"

Jim Mannoia

What People Like

Magnificent acoustics
Enjoyable Puccini concerts
Fascinating Roman excavations

What People Dislike

Concert ticket cost
Cash-only for tickets

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The San Giovanni e Reparata Complex is located in Lucca, close to the Duomo. It's easily accessible on foot within the historic center. If arriving by car, park in one of the designated parking areas outside the city walls and walk in. Reddit

Yes, the church is centrally located and well-signposted within Lucca's historic center, often mentioned alongside the Duomo. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially for specific events like concerts. It's best to check the official schedule for the Roman excavations and any scheduled performances. Reddit

The Roman excavations are generally accessible during the complex's opening hours. However, it's advisable to confirm these hours beforehand, as they might differ from concert times. Reddit

Direct parking is limited within Lucca's historic center. Visitors typically park in paid parking lots outside the city walls and walk to the complex. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Concerts typically cost around €30 per person. It's important to note that these events are not free, contrary to some older information. Reddit

It's reported that credit cards may not be accepted for concert tickets, so it's recommended to bring cash to avoid any issues. Reddit

Yes, a combined ticket is available that includes entry to the Duomo, its bell tower, and San Giovanni e Reparata. This ticket is valid for a week. Reddit

Advance booking is often recommended, especially for popular performances. Check the official website or contact the venue for booking information. Reddit

The combined ticket typically grants access to the main church, the bell tower of the Duomo, and the underground Roman excavations at San Giovanni e Reparata. Reddit

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

The concerts are short, accessible, and feature well-trained performers. The church's magnificent setting and acoustics enhance the experience, making it enjoyable even for those new to opera. InstagramReddit

The underground area displays the original levels of worship, with remnants dating back over 2,000 years, offering a unique historical perspective. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed for San Giovanni, climbing towers in Lucca (like the Duomo's) offers panoramic city views. The combined ticket allows for this if applicable. Reddit

The concerts are brief, featuring selections from Puccini's operas, making them suitable for those who prefer shorter performances. Reddit

Information on guided tours for the excavations is not widely available. It's best to inquire on-site or check the official website for any available options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can vary. Generally, photography without flash is permitted in many churches, but it's always best to check for any posted signs or ask staff. TikTok

The altar area, the impressive cupola from within, and the ancient Roman structures in the underground excavations offer unique photographic opportunities. Reddit

During performances, it's usually expected to refrain from taking photos or videos to avoid disturbing the artists and audience. Check with the event organizers. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in historic city centers and around religious sites. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

The lighting inside the church can be atmospheric, with natural light filtering in and some artificial lighting. The underground excavations are more dimly lit. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The San Giovanni e Reparata Complex offers a blend of history and culture that can appeal to families. The Roman excavations provide a tangible, ancient world to explore, which can spark curiosity in children. While the Puccini concerts are short, they might be a good introduction to music for older children who can sit through a brief performance. Reddit However, ensure you check the suitability of the concert content for younger audiences. The combined ticket offers good value for families looking to explore multiple historical sites in Lucca. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While concert tickets have a cost, the combined ticket for the Duomo, bell tower, and San Giovanni e Reparata offers excellent value for money, covering multiple attractions for a week. Reddit Exploring the Roman excavations is a highlight that doesn't require attending a concert. Look for free events or consider visiting during off-peak hours to potentially avoid larger crowds. Reddit

🎶 Opera Enthusiasts

For opera lovers, the Puccini concerts offer a unique opportunity to hear beloved arias in a historically significant setting. While not full operas, the performances are well-executed and showcase the talent of the artists. InstagramReddit The church's acoustics are a significant draw, enhancing the vocal performances. Consider purchasing the libretto to fully engage with the musical narratives presented. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Puccini Experience

The San Giovanni e Reparata Complex is a unique venue for experiencing the music of Giacomo Puccini. These are not full-scale operas but rather curated selections, making them ideal for those new to the genre or with limited time. Performers are often highly skilled, delivering a polished and enjoyable performance that leverages the church's excellent acoustics. InstagramReddit While the performances are short, the intimate setting and the grandeur of the church create a memorable atmosphere. It's advisable to purchase the libretto to fully appreciate the lyrics and narrative of the pieces performed. Reddit

Key Takeaways:
* Accessible Opera: Perfect for beginners and those seeking shorter musical experiences.
* Talented Performers: High-quality vocalists and accompanists.
* Atmospheric Venue: The church's acoustics and ambiance enhance the performance.
* Libretto Recommended: Purchase for a deeper understanding of the music. Reddit

Exploring the Roman Past

Beneath the current church lies a significant archaeological site, revealing the area's ancient history. The underground excavations showcase the original levels of worship, with structures dating back over two millennia. This offers a tangible connection to the site's long and layered past, predating the current church by centuries. Reddit Visiting this subterranean level provides a stark contrast to the church above and is considered a must-see by many visitors. The combined ticket with the Duomo and bell tower makes this exploration even more worthwhile. Reddit

Key Features:
* Ancient Foundations: Discover remnants of early Christian or even Roman-era worship spaces.
* Historical Layers: Understand the evolution of the site over centuries.
* Unique Contrast: Experience the juxtaposition of ancient ruins and the Renaissance church above.
* Combined Ticket Value: Access this historical gem as part of a broader Lucca exploration. Reddit