Villa Mansi, is a historic villa and country estate which is located in Segromigno in Monte, Lucca and is just one of the many exceptional villas which were built in the area during the Renaissance. It dates back to the 16th century, with alterations made in the 17th, and is seen as one of the Lucchese villas which best represents the culture and society of the ancient Aristocratic Republic. Both the garden and villa are now open to the general public for tours and both are well-worth a wander on a cool morning in Lucca before heading off in search of something good to eat. Just find yourself the perfect luxury villa in Lucca and then head to Segromigno in Monte to explore this extraordinary building and its beautiful surrounds.
In the 16th century, Villa Mansi belonged to Nicolao Benedetti. His heirs sold it to Bartolomeo of the so-known Hieronimus Cenami for 656 golden scudi. It was described, at the time, as an estate “with various fields and meadows, with fruit trees surrounding the penstocks and the padronal palace, a stable, a well, an oven and a stoned wash-house, among others buildings, located in the municipality of Segromigno in Monte, in the area called Piaggia.” The Cenami remained owners of the villa and its grounds until 1675, when it was bought for 1600 scudi by the marquess Raffaello Mansi of the Mansi family, well-known in Europe for the commerce of silk. The Mansi name would go on to be the one that became firmly associated with the villa to this day.
In the 16th century, Villa Mansi belonged to Nicolao Benedetti. His heirs sold it to Bartolomeo of the so-known Hieronimus Cenami for 656 golden scudi. It was described, at the time, as an estate “with various fields and meadows, with fruit trees surrounding the penstocks and the padronal palace, a stable, a well, an oven and a stoned wash-house, among others buildings, located in the municipality of Segromigno in Monte, in the area called Piaggia.” The Cenami remained owners of the villa and its grounds until 1675, when it was bought for 1600 scudi by the marquess Raffaello Mansi of the Mansi family, well-known in Europe for the commerce of silk. The Mansi name would go on to be the one that became firmly associated with the villa to this day.
When the Mansi purchased the villa, it was described as a “beautiful estate with fields, encircled by stone walls and adorned by kitchen gardens, fruit trees, gardens and groves, with streams, a vast fish-ponds and lakes enriched by statues, and meadows, paths and avenues, with a gorgeous padronal house and a court-yard surrounded by pergolas of vine and by other wonderful houses for servants and gardeners, a coach-house, stables for the horses, refectories, halls, the Tower of the Clock, courts and court-yards and so on". It became a favourite summer home of the family's and became known for the elegance of its architecture and its stunning gardens. Between 1634-1635, the original building was altered and the Mansi family also made changes to the building, restoring the façade according to the designs of architect Giusti of Lucca, and the gardens according to designs by Filippo Juvarra.
Highlights of a trip here are the frescos of the central hall by Stefano Tofanelli, a neoclassical painter admired by Elisa Baciocchi, princess of Lucca and sister of Napoleone Bonaparte, and the gardens, which pictures fail to do justice to. If you're visiting Lucca, take time to explore the villa, unwind and take in the history and culture of this part of Tuscany.
