The Historical Villas of Lucca are famous art masterpieces located in the hills surrounding the city of Lucca in Tuscany. They were built between the 15th and 19th centuries and served as summer residences to the city aristocrats, who looked for an alternative to the ordinary city palaces. In fact, the architectural beauty of these villas was a symbol of their social affirmation and they were used to consolidate the family status in the countryside.
Actually, it was not a group of enriched nobles, but a class of politicians who kept contacts with noble European courts and who had commercial, social and cultural relations with important international figures.
The residences of these so-called "ambassadors of culture" are extremely beautiful. The ideal canon of beauty was used to build each building, as well as the marvellous gardens, arcades, inner halls and the spectacular frescoes decorating the rooms.
Would you like visit these splendid villas in Tuscany? Your itinerary must certainly include the six villas located in the countryside that present a unique architectural style, which are Villa Bernardini , Villa Grabau, Villa Mansi, Villa Oliva, Villa Reale and Villa Torrigiani .
Discover more about them now!
The stunning Villa Bernardini is located near Vicopelago and it was built in 1615 by Bernardino Bernardini. He worked as ambassador of the Republic at the court of some princes and at the Holy See and he used the villa to welcome his family and guests. The most beautiful corner of the building is certainly its magnificent garden: among the vast parks and flower beds, a small Secret Garden is hidden to give guests a corner of tranquillity! Even the interior of the villa amazes anyone who enters it for the first time. The large ballroom, the ancient furniture decorating the rooms and the luxury lounges are just splendid.
Villa Grabau is another building where you can admire the same original furniture and paintings that adorned the villa in the 16th century. One of the most beautiful frescoes is undoubtedly that of the ground floor's living room, which presents some beautiful "trompe l'oeil" motifs. Instead, the large 9-hectare park surrounding the building hosts centenary trees, some arboreal rarities and the majestic "Limonaia", an eighteenth-century greenhouse housing dozens of lemon trees. Still outside, you can admire the impressive Verzura Theater, which is a space dedicated to shows immersed in the wonderful greenery.
Villa Mansi in Segromigno in Monte appears against the background of a pretty English garden. If you wish to reach it, you need to enter the park through Piazzale delle Scuderie and cross a small bridge: from there, you can get to the marvellous water architecture and to the small waterfalls adorning the villa's outdoor. The interior has a peculiar structure, as it presents a succession of communicating rooms linked to a mysterious legend. It is said, in fact, that the corridors and rooms are haunted by the ghost of Lucida Mansi, the victim of a pact with the devil. It is a unique place that is definitely worth a visit!
The magnificent Villa Oliva is located in the town of San Pancrazio and dates back to the end of the 16th century. It was created by Matteo Civitali, a master trained in Florence who transferred many of his works here. The beautiful Renaissance paintings show a precise search for harmony, through the study of proportion and perspective. The wonderful external colonnade, the large park and the poetry of the surrounding environment make this villa a truly fabulous place!
Another place you cannot miss is Villa Reale in Marlia, which has been inhabited by Elisa Baciocchi (Napoleon's sister and princess of Lucca) in the 19th century. The property extends over 16 hectares and presents a series of splendid gardens and noble palaces. It's difficult to choose which one is the most beautiful! Moreover, in the park next to Viali delle Camelie, you can find the lovely Water Theater and the Verzura Theater, which is a magical open space where Paganini also performed.
Finally, Villa Torrigiani distinguishes itself for a colorful façade, made with different materials such as gray stone, white marble and yellow plaster. The villa dates back to the sixteenth century, but it was largely restored in the seventeenth century. The Ambassador of the Republic of Lucca at the court of the Sun King, who owned the villa at the time, decided to transform it into a luxurious residence with flower gardens and mirrored pools, getting inspired by the park of Versailles. A tour in his garden will simply leave you breathless!
Looking for a holiday rental near Lucca to visit all these beautiful Villas? Choose the luxury Villa De Ranieri, the comfortable Flavia Apartments or the fantastic Villa Fiamma!
© Alice Pilastri
