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.
