Monastery-Sanctuary of St. Gemma (Monastero-Santuario di Santa Gemma Galgani), Lucca

The Monastery-Sanctuary of Saint Gemma in Lucca is a Roman Catholic church and convent dedicated to Saint Gemma Galgani, a local mystic and saint. Located on Via di Tiglio, outside the medieval walls of Lucca, the sanctuary is home to the Passionist nuns and serves as a significant place of pilgrimage and devotion.

The origins of the monastery trace back to a vision Gemma Galgani had of Christ, who revealed to her the establishment of a new monastery. Though she did not live to see its completion, her prophetic vision was realized in 1935 when construction began under the direction of architect Italo Baccelli. Following delays, the work was completed in 1965 by architect Adriano Marabini. The sanctuary’s dome and bell tower, reminiscent of a smaller version of the Berlin Cathedral, give it a distinctive architectural character.

Gemma Galgani lived in the monastery during her final years and was laid to rest here after she died in 1903 at the age of 25, following a long battle with tuberculosis. She was known for her deep spirituality, devotion to the Passion of Christ, and the stigmata she bore. Her remains are enshrined beneath the main altar in a bronze sepulcher, housed in an urn sculpted by Francesco Nagni.

Inside the church, visitors can admire an altarpiece by Primo Conti, depicting Christ bestowing the stigmata upon Saint Gemma as she is held by the Angel of Passion. To the left of the altar, a marble sculptural group by Tommaso Gismondi portrays the Passion of Christ, while the same artist crafted the bronze reliefs of the Passion of Mary.

Adjacent to the church, a small museum displays some of Saint Gemma’s personal belongings, including her clothes, devotional objects, and relics. Pilgrims can also find books, souvenirs, holy cards, and statues dedicated to the saint.

Today, the Monastery-Sanctuary of Saint Gemma remains a revered religious site, attracting visitors and devotees who seek inspiration from the life and legacy of Lucca’s beloved mystic saint.