Church of St. Catherine (Chiesa di Santa Caterina), Lucca

The Church of Saint Catherine, also affectionately known as the "Church of the Cigar Makers", is one of the most striking examples of Baroque ecclesiastical architecture in Lucca. Designed by Francesco Pini in the first half of the 18th century, it stands as the largest religious Baroque structure in the city.

Positioned at the intersection of Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via del Crocifisso, the church's curved façade and corner entrance immediately set it apart. The oval layout, with its entrance placed on the minor axis, enhances the sense of movement so characteristic of Baroque architecture.

Inside, the church is a feast for the eyes. The dome, open at the center, bathes the space in natural light and features a fresco of angels and saints by Bartolomeo De Santi. The walls, once lined with grates concealing the praying nuns, add a unique historical element to the space. Among the church's notable artworks are two marble statues, Charity and Purity, sculpted by Giovanni Cybei and Giovanni Lazzaroni.

The high altar originally displayed Pompeo Batoni’s masterpiece The Ecstasy of Saint Catherine, now housed in the National Museum of Palazzo Mansi. It has since been replaced by Giuseppe Bertini’s Madonna with Child and Saint Anthony of Padua.

Throughout its history, the church was a favored place of worship for female workers from the nearby Manifattura Tabacchi, earning it the nickname “Church of the Cigarette Girls”. After remaining closed for over forty years, it underwent an extensive restoration led by the Italian Environment Fund (Fondo Ambiente Italiano), with support from local institutions and cultural heritage authorities. Completed in 2014, the restoration has allowed the church to reopen-by appointment only-for concerts, exhibitions, and guided tours.

Today, Santa Caterina remains a testament to Lucca’s Baroque heritage, blending art, history, and architectural ingenuity in an unforgettable setting.