The Seaside Hospice of Lucca, located at Viareggio, was established in 1842 under the direction of the Lucca Hospital. Among the sponsors of the initiative were two illustrious physicians: Giuseppe Giannelli and Antonio Ghivizzani. This was the first institution founded in Italy for the treatment of children affected by extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. It was established several years before the Seaside Hospice of Florence.

In 1872 the Province of Lucca constructed a new and larger building at Viareggio, today the site of the Technical Institute for Commerce.