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La Leggenda di Lucida Mansi: A Botanical Garden Mystery

Discover Lucca's enchanting botanical garden, where the legend of Lucida Mansi adds a mysterious twist to its serene beauty and historical charm.

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Explore the serene Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca, where legend says the beautiful but cruel Lucida Mansi met her end. This botanical garden offers a tranquil escape intertwined with a dark, captivating tale.

A brief summary to La LEGGENDA di Lucida Mansi

  • Via del Giardino Botanico, Lucca, Province of Lucca, 55100, IT
  • Visit website
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit in spring or early summer to see the camellias and rhododendrons in full bloom for a vibrant display of color.
  • Check for seasonal gardening exhibitions like Verdemura and Murabilia, which often coincide with the garden's peak blooming season.
  • Be aware that some parts of the garden, especially around the pond and greenhouses, may have limited accessibility for visitors with mobility issues.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza Verdi, near the tourist information center, walk east along Via del Pallone. Continue onto Via del Giardino Botanico; the entrance to the Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The bus station is located in Piazza Verdi. From there, the Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca is a short walk. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A single bus ticket within Lucca costs approximately €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at Piazza Santa Maria and Piazza Napoleone. A taxi ride to the Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca from either location will be a short trip within the city walls, typically costing between €8 and €12. Ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare before starting your journey.

  • Driving

    Driving within Lucca's city walls is restricted. It is recommended to park outside the walls in designated parking areas such as Park Mazzini or Park Carducci. From Park Mazzini, exit the walls through Porta Elisa and follow the signs to the garden. From Park Carducci, walk north-east. Parking costs range from €1 to €2 per hour. Park Mazzini, located near Porta Elisa, is an underground car park with 365 spaces and costs €1 per hour. Park Carducci offers a daily rate of €5.

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Discover more about La LEGGENDA di Lucida Mansi

The Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca, located on Via del Giardino Botanico, is more than just a botanical garden; it's a place where nature, history, and legend intertwine. Founded in 1820 by Maria Luisa di Borbone, Duchess of Parma, the garden offers a peaceful retreat within the historic city walls of Lucca. As you stroll through the garden, you'll discover diverse plant collections, including camellias, rhododendrons, and native flora from the nearby mountains. However, the garden holds a darker secret tied to the legend of Lucida Mansi, a 17th-century noblewoman known for her beauty, vanity, and alleged pact with the devil. According to the legend, Lucida made a deal to retain her youth for thirty years in exchange for her soul. When the time came for the devil to collect, she attempted to cheat him by stopping the clock tower, but failed. Some say the devil dragged her around the city walls in a burning carriage before plunging into the pond within the Botanical Garden. It is believed that on stormy nights, her fiery carriage can still be seen racing around the walls, with her cries of agony echoing through the night until the carriage plunges into the pond. Today, the pond, fed by an ancient spring, is said to reflect Lucida's face in its mysterious dark waters. Whether you're a botany enthusiast or a lover of legends, the Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca offers a unique experience, blending natural beauty with a captivating, ghostly tale.

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