This is the oldest wooden sculpture in Europe!

Volto Santo di Lucca, or the Holy Face of Lucca, located inside the Cathedral of San Martino has been declared as the oldest wooden sculpture in Europe. A very popular destination, this cathedral in the Italian city of Lucca, is revered by tourists and pilgrims alike. The wooden sculpture dates back to the 12th century.

It was once believed that this structure was the replica of an original. But it has now been confirmed by scientists that this is indeed the original one that came to Lucca way back in 782 AD. Interestingly, the Volto Santo di Lucca is believed to have been sculpted by Nicodemis. He is known as one of the persons, who helped St Joseph of Arimathea to put Jesus Christ in the tomb after his crucifixion. Nicodemus has been mentioned in the Gospel of John.
The wooden sculpture of Jesus was hidden in a Plaestinian cave for 700 years, before it was sent to Lucca in Italy.

In Lucca, September 13 is a very special day that revolves around the Holy Face of Lucca. As on this day, there is a procession that starts from St. Frediano at around 8 PM, and reaches the Cathedral of San Martino. All the people who participate in the procession get blessings and a traditional Mottettone is performed. This Mottettone is a musical composition.

The Volto Santo di Lucca is so immensely popular that it was mentioned by Dante in the Inferno. Moreover, William II of England had taken his oath in front of the sculpture.