Discover Villa Mansi
The built heritage of Lucca, a medieval city and tourist hotspot in Tuscany and Italy, is remarkable. It is home to palaces, numerous churches – hence the nickname “City of 100 Churches” – and a host of monuments. Its palatial villas and sumptuous gardens are just some of the attractions for which it is renowned. One of these is Villa Mansi, located in Segromigno in Monte on the outskirts of Lucca. A must-see for a unique historical experience. The villa is open to visitors from Monday to Friday and on some Saturdays, from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
THE ORIGINS OF VILLA MANSI
Villa Mansi is a distinguished palace, rightly considered one of the most luxurious in the Lucca area. Built in the late 16th century, it was purchased by the Mansi family in 1599. Restoration work began in 1634, entrusted to the architect Muzio Oddi, the same famous architect who designed Lucca’s famous fortifications. The façade was decorated in the traditional Mannerist style, with an interior consisting of a vast salon and several smaller rooms arranged around it. After several renovations in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the central body grew in height and is now set back slightly from the two surrounding side units.
VILLA MANSI’S SETTING
Today, most of the rooms still retain their original decor. Inside, important paintings by the artist Stefano Tofanelli are scattered throughout the palace. There are also rooms decorated with frescoes, tapestries, furniture, stuccowork and much more. These period decorations are truly remarkable, and bear witness to an era of great artistic richness. A visit to this historic villa is highly recommended for art lovers.
VILLA MANSI SOMPTUOUS GARDEN
From the outset, the park adopted a French Baroque style, as designed by the original architect Filippo Juvarra. Like the villa, it was first restructured in the 18th century and then again in the 19th and 20th centuries. The pool and grotto, nicknamed the “Bagno di Diana”, still remain from these alterations. A tour of this splendid garden reveals a skilful blend of Italian and English styles.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN LUCCA ?
To combine discovery and relaxation during your vacation in Lucca, there’s nothing better than choosing a well-located villa, on our advice. We offer properties on the outskirts of Lucca and not far from the beaches of Versilia. This huge property is particularly interesting for large families looking for a place between sea and countryside to put down their luggage in the region. Or perhaps you’d be tempted by this large residence with its refined, rustic decor, surrounded by a huge lawn and offering an equally large swimming pool near Lucca. For a more intimate stay, this magnificent selection of villas amid pine and olive groves, south-east of Lucca, would be perfect for a group of friends or a small family of 6.
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