Villa Reale di Marlia

Historic Building in Lucca

The Villa Reale di Marlia is a remarkable historic residence located in the municipality of Capannori, at the heart of the Lucca region in Italy. Notably, it was once the home of Elisa Baciocchi, Napoleon’s sister, who ruled as sovereign over Lucca and later the entire region of Tuscany. Under Elisa’s ownership in the 1800s, the villa underwent significant renovations, adopting its current name “Reale” (Royal). The project included restoring the Renaissance palace belonging to the noble Orsetti family, expanding the park to more than double its original size, and connecting the Villa with the nearby Villa del Vescovo.

Today, the beautifully restored complex, including the interiors, is open to visitors. Covering a vast expanse of 16 hectares, the property encompasses the majestic Villa Reale, the elegant Palazzina dell’Orologio, the Villa del Vescovo, and a splendid park adorned with meticulously arranged evergreen shrubs, still preserving its original 17th-century layout.

Among the highlights to explore are the Green Theatre, planted in 1652 and composed of yew hedges, a place where the renowned violinist Niccolò Paganini occasionally performed. The Lemon Garden is equally captivating, featuring over 200 vases of citrus plants.

Other notable attractions within the villa grounds include the Garden at the Villa del Vescovo and the Water Theatre, which encircles a grand basin adorned with waterfalls, statues, and mascarons. The Art Deco Spanish Garden, Camellia Walkways, fish pond, and the Grotto di Pan add to the enchanting beauty of the estate.

A visit to the park presents numerous delightful opportunities to wander through its meandering paths, walkways, and gardens, immersing oneself in a captivating blend of past and present beauty that leaves a lasting impression on all who experience it.

The Villa Reale di Marlia appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lucca!

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Visiting Villa Reale di Marlia

Hours:

19 DECEMBER – 03 FEBRUARY:

Closed for maintenance and restoration works.

04 FEBRUARY – 26 FEBRUARY:

Weekends only from 10am to 6pm.

01 MARCH – 05 NOVEMBER:

Park opening hours

every day from 10:00 to 18:00 *

Price:

Park: €12 / Park and Museums: €18

Address: Villa Reale di Marlia, Via Fraga Alta, Marlia, Province of Lucca, Italy

Duration: 20 minutes

Official Website