Italy in Photos

Via degli Asili, 55100 Lucca, Italy (September 2018)

Palazzo Pfanner

Palazzo Pfanner in Lucca is one of the city’s most elegant and fascinating landmarks, a historic residence that combines architectural refinement with a beautiful baroque garden. Located near the northern section of Lucca’s Renaissance walls, the palace has long attracted the admiration of visitors for its harmonious blend of art, history, and nature. It is a place where the grandeur of the seventeenth century can still be felt, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of Lucca’s noble families as well as the cultural influences that shaped the city.

The palace was originally built in 1660 by the Moriconi family, wealthy merchants who commissioned its construction as a symbol of their prestige. However, their fortunes declined, and the property passed to the Controni family, who expanded and embellished it. The most distinctive feature added during this period was the baroque garden, carefully designed with symmetrical paths, elegant fountains, and decorative statues that remain among the finest examples of garden art in Lucca. The statues, representing allegorical figures and classical deities, create a dialogue between nature and mythology, transforming the garden into a space of beauty and contemplation.

In the nineteenth century, the palace entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Felix Pfanner, an Austrian brewer who introduced beer production to Lucca. This unusual connection between a noble residence and an industrial activity makes the palace unique in the city’s history. Although the brewery is no longer active, the name of Pfanner remains forever linked to the building, giving it a distinctive identity that merges aristocratic tradition with entrepreneurial innovation.

Inside the palace, visitors can explore grand reception rooms decorated with frescoes, antique furnishings, and family portraits. These interiors evoke the splendour of past centuries, allowing a glimpse into the daily life and ceremonies of Lucca’s elite. The combination of art, architecture, and history makes the visit a rich cultural experience. At the same time, the garden continues to be the true jewel of the complex, inviting guests to stroll along its paths and admire the harmony of its design.

Palazzo Pfanner is more than just a monument. It is a space where different layers of Lucca’s past come together, from aristocratic grandeur to entrepreneurial innovation, from baroque aesthetics to modern tourism. Today, it remains a symbol of elegance and cultural continuity, a place where the spirit of Lucca’s history is preserved and celebrated in an enchanting setting.