A Sacred Place
Fonte di Vorno encompasses 17,200 square feet and includes:
four floors and an elevator,
16 bedrooms, all with a private bathroom,
a professional kitchen and pantry,
dining room,
several “great rooms”,
and a chapel.
Spread across 3.7 acres, the grounds stretch to embrace an olive grove and a small vineyard.
Along an Ancient Path
The Mansi family is a founding contributor to the town of Lucca, and gained their wealth from the silk trade. The Villa di Vorno was their summer home, and is located just a few kilometers from the town’s city center and along the southern route of the Via Francigena. The 17th Century Villa is considered by the Italian State to be an historic and artistic property of cultural interest housing original and spectacular frescoes still today.
The Mansi family gifted the Villa to the church in Lucca, and the sacred space has been home to the Suore Maestre di Saint Dorotea or the Sisters of Saint Dorothea, founded in 1885 by Father Luca Passi, who felt called to serve fanciuelle del popolo, the children of the people. The Sisters worked in childhood education at their primary school in Lucca. The Villa was also a place for prayer meetings, spiritual direction, study and retreats.
After 140 years of faithful service to the community of Vorno and Lucca, the Villa was sold to an Italian charity and was renamed Fonte di Vorno. It is now a place of hospitality for pilgrims and retreat seekers, continuing the legacy of service and formation.
Fonte di Vorno plans to open the doors to pilgrims, groups and volunteers in 2027.
Where to Find Us
Starting in 2027, shuttle transportation will be available to and from the Villa. Participants will be picked up at the Lucca bus station.
Via di Cima Vorno, 44, 55012 Vorno LU, Italy