Villa Reale in Marlia

Strolling through the Park of Villa Reale means immersing yourself in a living work of art.
Every step reveals a new marvel: the enchanting Camellia Avenue, the elegant Lemon and Spanish Gardens, and the spectacular Water Theater and Green Theater. The latter, with its sculpted hedges, was once the stage for performances by Niccolò Paganini, who played here for Elisa Baciocchi, sister of Napoleon.

The garden’s masterpieces stand alongside historic residences of rare elegance, such as the Bishop’s Villa, adjacent to the evocative “Grotto of Pan,” and the splendid Clock Pavilion with its panoramic loggia. Every corner tells a story, and every view invites you to pause and dream.

Villa Reale boasts a centuries-old history that began in 1517, when the Buonvisi family acquired the estate and laid the foundations for this magnificent complex.
However, it was during the Napoleonic principate that the Villa reached its peak, thanks to the vision of Elisa Baciocchi. The sovereign transformed two ancient residences—Villa Orsetti and Villa del Vescovo—into a single sumptuous residence, a symbol of European taste and elegance.

After Napoleon’s fall, the Villa changed hands among noble families until it became a romantic refuge for Prince Carlo and his beloved Penelope Smith. Their story, steeped in love and melancholy, adds a legendary touch to the timeless charm of the estate.

In 1923, the Pecci-Blunt Counts acquired the property and entrusted its restoration to the renowned French architect Jacques Gréber. The gardens were reinvented, blending tradition and innovation in a perfectly romantic balance.

But the true miracle happened in 2015, when a young Swiss couple fell in love with the Villa, then in a state of decline. Despite a devastating storm and many challenges along the way, the new owners embarked on a courageous restoration, bringing Villa Reale di Marlia back to its former glory. Today, thanks to their passion, the Villa has once again become a place of rare beauty, open to the world.

Discover the charm of Villa Reale di Marlia through a circular route that embraces gardens, palaces, and works of art.
Visit guidelines are available on the official website, and tickets can be purchased online:

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Don’t miss the chance to experience something truly unique, where every corner tells a story and every detail offers unforgettable emotions.
Villa Reale di Marlia awaits you, ready to captivate you with its eternal beauty.