The Convent and Its History

The Convent of the Angel (also known as the Collegiate Church of San Michele or Monastery of the Angel) is a church located in Lucca.
The church and the convent, commissioned by Duke Charles Louis of Bourbon for the Passionist Fathers, were built by Lorenzo Nottolini between 1827 and 1830.
Here, the architect gave perhaps the ultimate proof of his talent for creating complexes where adherence to classical ancient forms, mediated by the study of Renaissance models, blended with an extraordinary sensitivity for the surrounding landscape.

While the candid classical shapes and plaster volumes embellished with bas-reliefs represent the exaltation of early 19th-century antiquarian taste, the ability to exploit the scenic views offered by the mountain slopes shows an attentive sensitivity to Romanticism.

This monastery is now home to a Music Academy, the Montegral Academy: montegral.com

Photo Gallery

How to Get There

It is located in Tramonte, reachable from Ponte a Moriano, a hamlet of Lucca.
From Ponte a Moriano take Viale San Gemignano, then Via di Tramonte; there are 4 km of narrow road, but there are clear road signs along the way.
Once you reach a roadside shrine (maestaina), turn left and shortly after you will find the entrance to the monastery.
Upon arrival, you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view.