Fridianus (Italian: San Frediano, also Frigidanus, Frigidian, Frigianu), was an Irish prince and hermit, fl.

The Catholic Encyclopedia states: “Remarkable for sanctity and miracles was St. Fridianus (560-88), son of Ultonius, King of Ireland, or perhaps of a king of Ulster (Ultonia).”[2] According to his legend, Fridianus was brought up trained in Irish monasticism, and was taught by St Enda and St Colman.

During his pilgrimage to Rome, he decided to dedicate his life to God in solitude and became a hermit, living on Mount Pisano, a mountainous area between the cities of Lucca and Pisa.

In 556 AD, Pope John II persuaded him to take the bishopric of Lucca, which Fridianus accepted.

To the amazement of those gathered, the river followed Fridianus as he cut a path away from the city and the cultivated land on its outskirts.

[1] Fridianus had a church built on the spot of the present basilica, dedicated to Vincent of Saragossa, a martyr from Zaragoza, Spain.