Worship of the Madonna, already practiced in the church of San Leonardo since the 17th century, saw a significant increase with the construction of the Liberty chapel on the left side of the church, which preserves the statue of the Madonna with Child by Augusto Passaglia. The sanctuary, especially in the first part of the 20th century, was the heart of continuous pilgrimages and even today is one of the most visited churches in the city.

Sources: Belli Barsali I., Guida di Lucca, Maria Pacini Fazzi Editore, Lucca, 1970.