VILLA REALE OF MARLIA: THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF THE PROVINCE OF LUCCA
Once upon a time, there was a mighty and imposing fortress, and this fortress belonged to the Duke of Tuscia. “Well… so what? I mean, good for him, of course, but why are we talking about the Duke of Tuscia when this article is supposed to be about Villa Reale?” If you let me finish my story, I’ll tell you.
As I was saying… once upon a time, there was a fortress, and that fortress belonged to the Duke of Tuscia, who had it built in Lucca because it was the capital of the Duchy. Yes, there was a time when Lucca was important! Like any respectable fortress, it had to be in a strategic position, high enough to oversee the surrounding lands and spot any approaching enemies. And what better place than the very spot where the magnificent and stunning Villa Reale di Marlia stands today?
Nothing remains of that fortress today. Over the centuries, various owners have come and gone, each leaving their own personal mark—Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical. Among them was Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, Princess of Lucca in the early 1800s. Although she lived there for less than ten years, her influence was perhaps the most visible and lasting—not only in terms of architecture but also, and perhaps most of all, in the many stories and memories tied to the estate: intrigues, true loves, secret tunnels, music, dances, eccentric projects that were never completed…
Despite holding the title of Grand Duchess of Tuscia, which would have allowed her to live comfortably in Florence, Elisa always preferred Lucca, and especially this villa, which under her reign earned the title of Villa Reale, “Royal Villa”. Less than ten years, yet so much to tell and so many questions left unanswered.
Why did Elisa, after visiting many estates in the Lucca area, choose Villa Reale, which wasn’t even for sale? Rumor has it there was fraud involved against the previous owners—so much so that, once the Bonaparte era came to an end, they even went to the Congress of Vienna to demand the property back. Needless to say, the congressmen were slightly preoccupied with restoring the European status quo, and a villa in some unknown place was the least of their concerns.
What role did Paganini play in the villa and in Elisa’s life?
These are just some of the questions we will explore during the Sunday morning tours of the Villa Reale park.
When?
Every sunday from March 2nd to June 29th and from September 7th to October 26th.
Meeting point
The meeting point is at 10:20 am at the ticket office of the Royal Villa of Marlia.
Time and duration
The tour starts at 10:30 am; durarion 1h 30m
Price
Adults €20 per person (already including park entrance)
Please note: the guide will conduct the visit in English and Italian, depending on the composition of the group.