Villa Reale is a stunning Villa and garden just outside Lucca. It became the home of Elisa Baciocchi, Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister. She lived on the estate during the years she was Princess of Lucca and Piombino.
Previous owners, Oliviero and Lelio Orsetti, extend the original castle dating from 1517 and added the Clock House and the Green Theatre in the 17th century. Elisa purchased the complex in 1806 and acquired the adjacent villa, transformed the estate and redesigned the garden, turning it into an opulent villa once again.
It passed through several owners and various states of disrepair until it was bought by a young Swiss couple in 2015. They are bringing it back to its former glory and share it with the public. Both the house and garden can be visited for an entrance fee.
The house is impressive.
The gardens are exquisite.
The Green Theatre is the oldest in Europe.
The Clock House has an unusual 6 hour clock.
We attended a wonderful concert held in the lemon house…what a delightful way to spend an afternoon. Thank you to my friends who organised the day.
You continue to make the most of your days, sharing all these wonderful experiences and places. I loved your beach post, unusual church of varying styles and now, this one. We still feel very locked-down here in TO, gradually morphing Phase 2 into 3 but a long way from the social openness that is happening in Italy and even in Canada, westerly, especially on Vancouver Island. I do miss the progression of your garden, however, and all those wonderful shots of colour, and beauty. Your guests, no doubt, are reaping all the wonder of it. Thank you again for sharing your Life, I know you didn’t plan this long stay, but it’s ALWAYS a treat to see what you’ve been up to.
By: Catherine Rowley on July 27, 2020
at 8:59 pm
I am trying to make the most of my time in Italy. I have to say that I am struggling with the heat. I don’t like summer in Australia or here. I try to go out in the morning and late afternoon when it is a bit cooler. Fortunately my apartment is cool.
I am looking forward to seeing my garden again soon to see how it fares in the summer. Filippo is taking great care of it I know.
Italy seems to be handling the post lockdown well and I hope things continue to improve everywhere.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 27, 2020
at 9:41 pm
That looks like the perfect way to spend a summers afternoon. Beautiful gardens and I’m sure the concert was lovely in such a gorgeous setting.
By: Kerry & Jim on July 27, 2020
at 11:47 pm
The concert was a lot of fun. There are more coming up.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 28, 2020
at 3:09 am
What a wonderful way to spend some time! Lovely gardens to wander around!
By: Linda K on July 28, 2020
at 12:58 am
The garden is beautiful. I went many years ago, but it is much better now.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 28, 2020
at 3:10 am
This is just such an incredible gem of an Italian Villa, thank you for sharing your wonderful day trips.
By: www.corneliaweber-photography.com on July 28, 2020
at 3:01 am
There are a few magnificent villas near Lucca…signs of a wealthy past.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 28, 2020
at 3:11 am
Great to read this post. What a magic spot, and how great to enjoy a live concert. 🥰
By: Pauline on July 28, 2020
at 5:25 am
It was an excellent concert…a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 28, 2020
at 10:20 am
Thank you for your fabulous photos of the exquisite gardens at Villa Reale.What a beautiful property & no wonder you enjoyed the concert in such surroundings. You are indeed lucky to be able to enjoy interesting locations within a reasonable distance.
By: Camillus Davall on July 28, 2020
at 11:53 pm
We are very lucky to have so many wonderful things close by. There is never a shortage of things to do.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 29, 2020
at 5:52 am
What an utterly glorious garden and what a joy it must be to live there, although, no doubt, the garden doesn’t come about by “sitting in the shade and saying, ‘oh, how lovely'”
By: Kan on July 29, 2020
at 3:50 am
Gardens all require lots of work…as we both know. They are worth the effort and it is wonderful to be able to sit and admire them.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 29, 2020
at 5:53 am
Looks Beautiful and to have a concert that’s a bonus 💫
By: Lorraine Wagner on August 1, 2020
at 9:07 pm