The Comboniani complex is officially part of the IMT Campus
The sale of the Comboniani Complex, a property situated in Via del Fosso, in the historic centre of Lucca, has been formally concluded a few days ago (2 July). The deadline for the Ministry of Culture or other eligible bodies to exercise their right of pre-emption has now passed, following the signing of the final contract on 28 April.
Purchased by the IMT School from its former owners, the Comboni Missionaries, the complex thus becomes part of the IMT School’s Campus in the eastern part of Lucca. Following the San Francesco complex, the San Ponziano complex, the residence in Via Brunero Paoli and Palazzo Boccella – which was inaugurated last Thursday, 2 July – the IMT School will have another large area at its disposal, to be used primarily as student accommodation, laboratories and study rooms.
Formerly the site of the Comboni Fathers’ convent, the complex – whose original structures date from before 1650 – covers an area of approximately 2300 square metres and also houses a small church, which will remain in use, situated between the two entrances on Via del Fosso and Piazza Varanini. Within the complex there is a cloister and a large historic garden covering over 2,000 square metres.
The restoration phase of the property is now set to begin, which will involve not only some building works but also bringing the installations up to standard and adapting the property to its new designated use.
“With this acquisition,” notes Lorenzo Casini, Rector of the IMT School, “the development of the IMT School’s Campus continues. Another large area, situated in the eastern part of the historic centre, is now part of the School’s assets, reinforcing a growth model that aims to combine the needs of the academic community with the enhancement of the city. There is a double satisfaction: on the one hand, we are expanding the spaces available to students, researchers and lecturers; on the other, we are restoring an important building in the heart of Lucca, historically linked to the San Francesco complex, thereby confirming the IMT School’s strong ties with the local area”.
“Entrusting a Church building to a university", says Father Paolo Latorre, Provincial Treasurer of the Comboni Missionaries, "so that it may become a place of formation and support for so many young people and students, is something we see as a mission to build the future. In the world in which we live – polarised and bewildered by so many illusions and false promises – I believe it is a priority to form citizens, men and women capable of creating a new language that speaks of responsibility and peace. A Thousand Lives for the Mission! Today we might say: a thousand lives for the common good! The expression comes from the founder of the Comboni Missionaries, Saint Daniel Comboni.”
“The Comboni Missionaries bid farewell to Lucca,” comments Father Pietro Ciuciulla, Provincial Superior of the Comboni Missionaries, “a 95-year history comes to an end, but the spirit lives on. After more than 95 years of shared history with the Lucca and Capannori area, the Comboni Missionaries are taking their leave of the local community. Although our physical presence is coming to an end, the fruits of this journey remain etched in the hearts of those who have walked this path with us. With the handover of the premises to the new owners, we are confident that these spaces will continue to be a place of growth, keeping alive a high-quality educational, human and spiritual program”.