Rediscovered Gardens of Elisa Bonaparte

Rediscovered Gardens of Elisa Bonaparte

Meet your tour guide at the Ticket Office of Villa Reale and begin the tour.

The gardens of Princess Elisa Bonaparte are a closely-guarded treasure chest full of secrets, tales, and utterly charming spots. They are an oasis of light and beauty, colour and harmony, and it is possible to exclusively view them in the company of our expert licensed guides. Only by taking a historical, botanical, and architectural tour, can the park and gardens of Villa Reale, silent witnesses to events tied to important historical figures, reveal their past magic and splendour which, today, has been given new life.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Park of Villa Reale, Via della Fraga Alta 2, 55014 Marlia, Capannori Italy

The visit begins at the ticket office situated in one of the Twin Houses that open onto a vast semicircular area located in front of the entrance to the villa. The entrance is in neoclassical style with wrought iron gates and columns decorated with huge, exquisite, flower-filled marble vases.

Upon entry, we walk along a path surrounded by hedges and trees. The path leads to a small hill top that offers a magnificent view of the expanse of the park including the small church, the lake, and the Bishop’s Villa.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Park of Villa Reale, Via della Fraga Alta 2, 55014 Marlia, Capannori Italy

Descending the hill from a different path, we stroll along the splendid “Camellia Walkway” that is flanked by brooks and small falls and leads to the lake. From the lake, we can admire the villa in the distance and also see it and the surrounding hills reflected in the lake. Heading toward the Bishop’s Villa, we pass a multitude of different plants and trees of rare beauty. At the Bishop’s Villa, an elegant Italian Garden can be observed and from here, we proceed to the Nymphaeum, also known as the Grotto of Pan, the colorful 1920s Art Nouveau Swimming Pool and cabanas, and the Spanish Garden bordered by channels of water and roses of singular beauty.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Park of Villa Reale, Via della Fraga Alta 2, 55014 Marlia, Capannori Italy

Then, moving along a walkway of holm-oak trees, we reach the spectacular 17th-century Lemon Garden with fish pond and after that, the renowned Green Theatre, composed entirely of yew hedges, shrubs, and plants, which also dates to the 17th century. We continue to the Clock House that houses a delightful reproduction of the villa in its interior and conclude our visit at the most elevated point of the estate, in back of the villa, where the stunning, semicircular Water Theatre is located. The tour lasts about two hours. It is possible to return to Lucca with the Route Number 60 bus departing at 5 pm and 6 pm.

Duration: 40 minutes