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Villa Reale di Marlia: A Royal Retreat in Lucca

Explore the historic Villa Reale di Marlia's stunning gardens and royal past just outside Lucca, a royal escape in the Tuscan countryside.

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Villa Reale di Marlia, located just outside Lucca, is a stunning historical estate with origins dating back to the early Middle Ages. Once a fortress, it evolved into a lavish villa owned by noble families, including Elisa Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister, who transformed it into a royal palace. Today, visitors can explore the villa's opulent interiors and wander through its expansive 16-hectare gardens.

A brief summary to Villa Reale di Marlia

  • Saturday 2 pm-9 pm
  • Sunday 2 pm-9 pm

Local tips

  • Download the Villa Reale di Marlia app for an audio guide to the villa's rooms and gardens.
  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the expansive 16-hectare gardens.
  • Check the Villa Reale di Marlia's official website for special events and seasonal closures.
  • Visit during the spring to see the camellias in full bloom.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Lucca, the easiest way to reach Villa Reale di Marlia is by bus. Take Line 59 from Piazzale Verdi, near the Lucca train station. The bus stops directly in front of the park entrance. The journey takes approximately 22 minutes, and buses depart every three hours. A single ticket costs between €1 and €2. Showing your bus ticket at the entrance grants a discount on admission.

  • Car

    If driving from the A11 highway, take the Lucca East exit and follow signs for Abetone for 6 km, then follow the signs for Matraia and Villa Reale. Free parking is available near the entrance. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak season. There are no tolls on the immediate approach to the villa.

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Discover more about Villa Reale di Marlia

Nestled in the heart of the Lucca region, Villa Reale di Marlia stands as one of Italy's most significant historical residences. Its history stretches back to the early Middle Ages when it served as a palace for the Duke of Tuscia. Over the centuries, the estate passed through the hands of noble families who shaped its character. In the 17th century, the Olivieri and Orsetti families modernized the villa and created the Baroque-style gardens, complete with courtyards, pathways, and scenic features like the Green Theatre and Lemon Garden. Elisa Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister, purchased the property in 1806, renaming it Villa Reale and transforming it into a royal residence. She expanded the gardens, incorporating neoclassical elements and connecting the villa to the neighboring Villa del Vescovo. Today, Villa Reale di Marlia offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore its magnificent gardens and royal apartments. The 16-hectare property includes the Villa Reale, the Palazzina dell'Orologio (Clock House), and the Villa del Vescovo. The gardens feature geometrically ordered evergreen shrubs that retain their original 17th-century structure. Highlights include the Green Theatre, one of the oldest in Europe, the Water Theatre with its waterfalls and statues, the Art Deco Spanish Garden, and the Lemon Garden with over 200 citrus plants. The villa also hosts special events, such as picnics at sunset, musical concerts and historical re-enactments.

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