Specola di Lucca, Neoclassical observatory in Capannori, Italy.

Specola di Lucca is an unfinished Neoclassical observatory near San Pancrazio, in the former park of the Villa Reale di Marlia. Lorenzo Nottolini planned a raised platform about five metres high, an observation tower aligned with the entrance and portico, and two large halls for instruments, flanked by smaller rooms. The cylindrical tower was never built.

Lorenzo Nottolini designed and built this observatory in 1819 during a period of renewed interest in classical architectural forms. The project emerged in an era when architectural innovation connected with scientific goals.

The observatory was named after Urania, the Greek muse of astronomy, a choice that tied the new building to classical learning. Its Neoclassical design by Lorenzo Nottolini was meant to give the small Duchy of Lucca scientific standing, and the duchess's decree of 17 September 1819 framed the project as a way to widen knowledge and prestige.

The building retains its original architectural features and stands near several other structures from the same period in the Capannori region. The site is easily accessible on foot and offers good views of the local architecture from this era.

The observation tower planned on the axis of the entrance and portico was never built, so the building kept an unfinished profile. Jean-Louis Pons, appointed director, did not wait for completion: during his stay in the duchy, from late 1819 to late 1824, he discovered six new comets.