Villa Reale di Marlia

Overview

Villa Reale di Marlia is a royal estate set in 16 hectares of landscaped gardens and parkland just 8 km north of Lucca. The gardens combine a formal 17th-century Italian giardino with a Romantic-era English landscape park, creating one of Tuscany's finest garden ensembles.

Highlights

• Teatro di Verzura: A garden theatre with living green hedges as 'walls' and topiary wings dating to the 17th century.
• Lake and Grotto: The Romantic park includes an artificial lake, a grotto, and winding paths through centuries-old trees.
• Lemon Garden: Hundreds of potted lemon trees in terracotta vases arranged in geometric patterns.

History

The estate dates to the 16th century but was transformed dramatically in 1806 when Napoleon's sister Elisa Baciocchi, ruler of Lucca, purchased it as her personal residence. She commissioned the English park and significant renovations. The villa remained in aristocratic hands until 2015, when a private foundation opened the gardens to the public.

Visitor Tips

• Half-Day Trip: Combine with cycling along the Serchio river path.
• Seasonal Hours: Open March through November; check current timetable.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.