Villas of Lucca, Italy | Albergo Celide

Villa Reale

Royal Villa of Marlia in the Lucca region, also known as Villa Reale, is a huge complex, one with several gardens, museums, and architectural styles.

Consider starting your visit with the Villa Reale Museum, where you’ll observe the villa’s elegant rooms, once inhabited by Napoleon’s sister, Elisa Bonaparte Bachiocchi. Then, take a leisurely stroll in one of the gardens — flower enthusiasts will love the Camellia Walkways, dotted with hundreds of pink and white flowers. End the day at Café Villa Reale with a glass of Tuscan wine or a quick espresso.

Villa Mansi

If you’ve explored the National Museum of Palazzo Mansi in Lucca, you might be curious about the Mansi family’s lavish lifestyle.

This 16th-century Baroque villa is renowned for the elegance of its architectural lines and the beauty of its gardens.

In 1675, it was purchased by Marquis Raffaello Mansi, a family famous across Europe for its silk trade, who chose the villa as his preferred summer residence for himself and subsequent generations.

Just a 20-minute drive from the city, this villa offers a glimpse into their world, featuring frescoes and works of neoclassical painter Stefano Tofanelli.

The estate also includes the Stables and the Gardener’s House, complementing the grandeur of the villa itself.

Villa Torrigiani

Look no further for the best examples of Baroque architecture in Tuscany. Villa di Camigliano, formerly Torrigiani has had several owners over the centuries, including Marquis Nicolao Santini, ambassador of the Republic of Lucca to the court of Louis XIV.

Santini redesigned a Versaillesque garden, with flowers, grottos, and fountains.

Still a key aspect of the villa, the garden is lined with cypress trees, guiding visitors toward the 17th century frescoes.

Villa Grabau

It is one of the most important historic residences of the Lucca Renaissance, having preserved its original period furnishings and paintings intact. It was built between the late 15th and early 16th centuries by the Diodati family, wealthy merchants from Lucca. In 1868, it was acquired by the Grabau family, of German origin, who still own it today.

The property is distinguished by its 9-hectare park, home to centuries-old trees and rare botanical species. Within the park stands the Limonaia, dating back to 1640, a magnificent and imposing structure, perfectly preserved, which shelters the lemon trees every winter before they are returned to the park in spring.

Villa Bernardini

A perfect example of late-Renaissance architecture, with the imposing residence standing as a single block at the center of its vast park.

Villa Bernardini is today both a historic residence and a museum — a venue for weddings, receptions, and corporate events — as well as the home of the Bernardini family.

The interiors have preserved their original furnishings (many adorned with the family crest), enriched over generations by pieces from later periods.

The villa is surrounded by lush gardens featuring hundreds of plant species.

Villa Oliva

The previous home of the Buonovisi family, Villa Oliva was built by the Renaissance architect and sculptor Matteo Civitali. Since its construction, the villa has had several owners, and now belongs to the Oliva family.

Its distinctive features include the five arches in the North facade and a five-hectare park with fountains and various plants.

The park is open to visitors and today serves as an exclusive venue for events such as weddings, ceremonies, receptions, and meetings.

Continue exploring the city

10 Things to See in Lucca

Lucca, a little gem of architecture and culture in the heart of Tuscany. Here are our suggestions for an unforgettable stay in Lucca:

The Historic Villas of Lucca