At the beginning of the 19th century Bagni di Lucca became a popular destination for large numbers of English people who liked to spend their summers here. Among others, the poets Shelley, Byron and the Barrett Brownings came to enjoy the spa town in the 1800s.

It was decided to build an Anglican church for the new arrivals. In 1839 Carlo Ludovico, Duke of Lucca, granted permission to build the “Palace of the English Nation” as it was called. The work was entrusted to Giuseppe Pardini, who made the building in the Anglicised neo classic design.

the front door to the church

the back of the building in spring

it needs a bit of work

one of the lovely windows

decoration under the windows

The building is no longer a church, but has been put to good use as a library and it also houses historical information.

Some of the lovely old chairs from the casino are kept here to help preserve them.

On Thursday evenings films are shown here.

Some of the old church is still visible.

The English Church is in La Villa behind the main street, Via Umberto1, on the way to the swimming pool, in the delightfully named Via Evangelina Whipple.

The library is open:-
Monday – Wednesday……… 9.00 – 13.00 / 15.00 – 18.00
Thursday……………………….. 15.00 – 19.00
Friday………………………………9.00 – 13.00 / 15.00 – 18.00
Saturday …………………………9.00 – 13.00

Say hello to Angela, the librarian if you drop in.

Sometimes Signore Cherubini is there as well. He can tell you lots about Bagni di Lucca.