Oratory of the Guardian Angels

A simple and almost hidden façade in via dell’Angelo Custode in Lucca conceals the Oratory of the Guardian Angels, a true Baroque gem that preserves a large quantity of significant works of art.

It dates back to 1638, when the architect Vincenzo Paoli built this Oratory for the “Congregation of the Guardian Angels”, an association founded in 1627 by Bonaventura Gasparini (1579-1659) from Lucca, to provide support and education to the many underprivileged children of the city.

Inside the structure with a single nave structure and barrel vault, there are numerous canvases of the 17th century masters of Lucca: Girolamo Scaglia, Matteo Boselli, Antonio Franchi, Filippo Dinelli, Pier Filippo Mannucci. The works are all centred on issues connected to the role of the angels as intermediaries with God.

The frescoes by Giovanni Domenico Lombardi (1682-1751) are dated slightly later. They compose a lavish decorative project of great efficacy and beauty. In addition to these paintings there is also an 18th-century organ, recently restored.

Despite the apparently anonymous entrance, the Oratory is one of the most amazing environments of religious architecture in Lucca. It is a structure of immense artistic value able to amaze every visitor.