Palazzo Pfanner: A Baroque Jewel in Lucca

Palazzo Pfanner, located in the historic center of Lucca, offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of Lucca's nobility and the entrepreneurial spirit of the Pfanner family. Construction began in 1660 by the Moriconi family, wealthy silk merchants, but after financial struggles, they sold it to the Controni family in 1680. The Contronis expanded the palazzo, adding the grand staircase and commissioning Filippo Juvarra to design the Baroque garden in the early 18th century. In the mid-19th century, Felix Pfanner, a Bavarian brewer, leased part of the palazzo and established one of Italy's first breweries there in 1846. The brewery became a popular spot, blending industrial activity with the palace's aristocratic ambiance. The Pfanner family eventually acquired the entire property, and although the brewery closed in 1929, the family continues to own and maintain the palazzo, opening it to the public in 1995. Today, visitors can explore the palace's elegant rooms, adorned with frescoes and period furnishings. A permanent exhibition showcases a collection of medical-surgical instruments belonging to Dr. Pietro Pfanner, a surgeon and former mayor of Lucca. The garden, featuring statues of Greek gods and the Four Seasons, offers a serene escape. Palazzo Pfanner has also served as a film set for movies like 'Il Marchese del Grillo' and 'Portrait of a Lady'.