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 work in childhood education at their primary school in Lucca. Villa di Vorno has also been home to prayer meetings, spiritual direction and formation, study and retreats.