Santuario di Santa Gemma

Just beyond Lucca’s walls, the Sanctuary of Santa Gemma is the burial place of Gemma Galgani, who died in the city in 1903 and was canonized in 1940. The shrine and monastery are home to a community of Passionist sisters.

Why it matters

The sanctuary reflects the growth of devotion to one of Lucca’s modern saints. Her tomb connects the church with the religious life of the Passionist community and with the wider history of twentieth-century pilgrimage.

What to notice

The dome and bell tower distinguish the sanctuary’s profile outside the historic centre. Italo Baccelli’s design drew inspiration from Berlin Cathedral. The dome built in 1965 followed a design by Adriano Marabini, giving the building a visible record of successive architectural contributions.

Context and history

The foundation stone of the present sanctuary was laid in 1935 on land beside the existing Passionist monastery. Construction was interrupted during the Second World War, and the building was completed in 1965. This later sanctuary should be distinguished from the earlier religious house around which it developed.