Palazzo Pfanner is one of the best-preserved Baroque landmarks located in the centre of Lucca. Known for its well-preserved interiors and the famous Giardini di Palazzo Pfanner, this historic residence has a unique glimpse into the aristocratic life of Tuscany from the 17th century.
Today, the palace functions as both a historic home and a cultural attraction, with thousands of people visiting each year. The Palazzo is famous for its architecture, the museum collections, and especially the renowned Palazzo Pfanner gardens in Lucca, known as an elegant formal garden in the city.
This guide explores the history, highlights, gardens, and practical tips to help you plan a memorable visit.
The history of Palazzo Pfanner
Palazzo Pfanner Lucca is located on Via degli Asili, just a short walk from Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, near many other historic attractions, restaurants and within the Renaissance walls that outline the city’s historic centre.
Builders constructed the palace in the mid-17th century (around 1660) for the Controni family, a wealthy merchant dynasty that built its fortune on Lucca’s growing silk trade.
Architecturally, the palace is built in the Tuscan Baroque style, characterised by its façade, impressive staircases, beautifully frescoed halls, and a carefully designed formal garden typical of noble residences from that era.
The property was later passed onto the Pfanner family, originally from Austria, who settled in Lucca during the 19th century.
Today, Palazzo Pfanner is one of the most visited historic palaces in Lucca.
Quick facts
- Built: 17th century
- Architectural style: Baroque
- Location: Historic centre of Lucca
- Garden size: approximately 2,000 square metres
- Function today: historic residence, museum, and gardens open to visitors
Exploring the gardens of Palazzo Pfanner Lucca
The Giardini di Palazzo Pfanner are considered some of the most distinctive historic gardens in Tuscany. Created in the classic Italian formal style, the garden of Palazzo Pfanner is known for its symmetrical pathways, neatly trimmed hedges, elegant statues, and a central fountain that forms the visual heart of the space.
When you walk through the grounds, you will notice that the paths are perfectly aligned with decorative stone sculptures that depict mythological figures.
The Palazzo Pfanner gardens Lucca also include many traditional Mediterranean plants, such as historic lemon trees, magnolias, camellias, and a variety of seasonal flowers that change throughout the year. Spring and early summer are generally the best times to visit, when the citrus trees and flowering plants create the gardens’ most colourful and vibrant display.
Garden highlights checklist
- Central ornamental fountain
- Mythological statues and sculptures
- Historic citrus trees
- Panoramic viewpoints from the palace staircase
- Seasonal floral displays
Despite being located in the centre of the city, the gardens offer a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere, making them one of the most tranquil green spaces inside Lucca’s historic walls.
Pros of visiting the gardens
- Elegant historic landscaping
- Excellent photography opportunities
- Quiet and relaxing environment
- Central location within walking distance of major landmarks
History of Palazzo Pfanner
The palace was first built for the Controni family, prominent merchants involved in the silk industry that drove Lucca’s prosperity between the 16th and 18th centuries. At the time, wealthy families would build grand residences inside the city walls to show off their social status and influence.
The Pfanner family acquired the residence in the 19th century. Felix Pfanner, a brewer who settled in Lucca, established one of the first modern breweries in the city and was responsible for rebuilding the residence into the historic property that you can visit today. The family continued to preserve the palace’s interiors, artworks, and furnishings, ensuring the survival of its original historical character.
Over the decades, Palazzo Pfanner has also served as a cultural location and film set, appearing in several international films.
What to see at Palazzo Pfanner
When you visit Palazzo Pfanner Lucca, there is more to see than just the garden alone. Inside the palace, you can explore a selection of historic rooms decorated with frescoes, antique furnishings, and period artwork that show aristocratic life in Tuscany during the 17th and 18th centuries.
One of the palace’s most interesting features is the collection of historical medical instruments that Pietro Pfanner, a physician who lived in the residence, assembled.
Must-see highlights
- Frescoed reception halls
- Historic noble apartments
- Original antique furnishings
- Medical instruments collection
- Views overlooking the garden from upper floors
Tip: We highly suggest combining your visit to the palace with other nearby attractions such as Guinigi Tower, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and a walk along Lucca’s famous Renaissance city walls. They are all located within a few minutes’ walk.
Tips for visiting Palazzo Pfanner Gardens
Planning ahead can make your visit to the Giardini di Palazzo Pfanner even more enjoyable. The gardens are open seasonally, typically from spring through autumn, although exact opening hours vary throughout the year.
Recommended visiting tips
- Visit in spring or early autumn for the best garden colours and comfortable temperatures.
- Allow 45–90 minutes to explore both the palace interiors and gardens.
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid peak crowds, especially during summer.
- Bring a camera. The garden is one of the most photographed historic locations in Lucca.
- Combine the visit with a walking tour of the historic centre for a full day of sightseeing.
Ticket prices are generally modest compared with larger museum complexes, ranging from €8-€10, making the palace an accessible cultural experience. Reduced rates are available for children, students, and group visits.
Plan your visit to Palazzo Pfanner today
Whether you are interested in history, architecture, photography, or simply enjoying a peaceful green space in the historic centre, Palazzo Pfanner is one of the most beautiful cultural sites to visit in Lucca.
Plan your visit to Palazzo Pfanner Lucca with Lucca Apartments and Villas. We offer stylish and well-located properties ideal for exploring the city at your own pace.
Staying within the historic centre allows you to reach the palace easily on foot while also exploring Lucca’s other major landmarks, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Explore our accommodations in Lucca and reserve your holiday today.
