Villa Reale di Marlia

Welcome to the Park of the Villa Reale di Marlia, one of the most magnificent estates in all of Tuscany. As a scholar of Italian garden history, I am delighted to guide you through this 16-hectare masterpiece. …

The main building of the Villa Reale is a masterpiece of Neoclassical elegance, largely shaped by the vision of Elisa Bonaparte. When she took over the estate in the early 19th century, she combined the existing Villa Orsetti…

One of the most extraordinary features of the Park of Villa Reale is the Teatro di Verdura, or the Green Theater. Realized between 1664 and 1670, it is considered the oldest theater of its kind in Europe. …

As we continue our walk, we enter the Lemon Garden, a classic feature of the Italian Renaissance villa. This part of the park reflects the Orsetti family's 17th-century layout. …

One of the most celebrated aspects of the Villa Reale is its collection of camellias. This 'wealth of camellias' is said to be among the most beautiful in the Lucca region, which has long been a center for the cultivation of this…

Behind the main villa lies a complex of buildings known as the Clock House (Palazzina dell'Orologio) and the farmyard area. This part of the estate served as the functional heart of Marlia, housing the staff, the kitchens, and…

The lower portion of the Marlia estate is dominated by a large English-style park, a landscape tradition that emphasizes sweeping lawns, irregular clumps of trees, and artificial lakes. This transformation was initiated by Elisa…

Our journey through the Park of Villa Reale di Marlia comes to a close. We have walked in the footsteps of 'Duchesses and Kings,' explored the 'Oldest Greenery Theater in Europe,' and marveled at the 'vibrant spectacle' of the…