Church of the Immaculate Conception and San Lazzaro

The parish church is one of the places of interest that, although not located precisely on the route of the Via Francigena, can be reached, with a short detour, from the last point of section 3, the Chiesina del Pianorino. From here you must continue to the end of Via Virgilio Boschi, at the small bridge you must cross and continue along Via Carignoni and at the crossroads turn left until you reach the locality Ai Frati. At this point you must continue to the Church, which is on the right in Via San Francesco.

The facade of the church is composed of a portico with four bays erected on white marble columns and brick arches, the first three wider than the fourth. Above the portico there is a loggia with five arches, also on white marble columns although smaller. Furthermore, in the portico there is the entrance to the Convent and to its right a monument to the fallen of the First and Second World Wars (see photo below). The building has a rectangular plan with the major axis oriented from north-west to south-east.

The interior has an architectural apparatus mostly painted, with Doric style walls enriched with draperies, cherubs and floral elements. The flooring is in black and white cement tiles, arranged in a checkerboard pattern.


Historical context

The church was born when in 1610 the Municipality of Camaiore granted the Franciscans a piece of land adjacent to the ancient hospital of San Lazzaro, which was documented as early as the 14th century and no longer exists today. The church was kept under the care of the friars until the early 1980s, when the church and the convent were sold to the Archdiocese of Lucca. A parish, built in 1948, and a convent are annexed to the church. The presence of the Franciscan community is also evidenced by the name of the area, known as the location 'Ai Frati'.


Chapel of the Holy Crucifix from the 17th century

The chapel located in Piazza Don Florio Favilla, visible from Via Provinciale, is adjacent to the Church.

The chapel is not accessible to the public because it is protected by a gate. It also has a bell tower and inside there is a crucifix.