Existing as early as the 9th century, the church was granted to the Benedictines in 1099, who were succeeded by the Olivetans in the 14th century. The current dedication dates back to 1474, when it received the saint's relics. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was restructured and lost its medieval appearance; in the chapel to the right of the apse remains a fresco of St. Martin from the 12th century. The exterior, with white limestone facing, punctuated by pilasters, features a double-order facade completed in the early 17th century. Around 1720 a comprehensive revision of the interior was initiated, which assumed a three-aisled structure on pillars with a rich decorative scheme, articulated in paintings, sculptures and stuccowork. Damaged in the 19th century, after many years of improper use in 1963 it was reopened for worship. Currently it is deconsecrated and since 2006, after a careful restoration, it houses the library and research stations for doctoral students and professors of the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca.