Archive for 'Lucca'

  

Centre of Lucca
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.     Read More

  

View over Bagni di Lucca
If you've found your luxury villa in Lucca and are looking for things to do but can't seem to escape the easy answers of food, museums and places that attract every tourist in the world (or so it would seem from the lines into such places!), then listen up. If you're after something different, a bit of an adventure, time outdoors and a little bit physical exertion mixed in with fun, then you're going to want to check out the recently opened adventure park in Bagni di Lucca. Canyon Park has opened at Scesta, near Cocciglia, on the Brennero road towards Abetone. It is the first adventure park developed in a canyon in Italy and enables visitors to go rafting on the river, zoom down a zip line and clamber over the wire suspension bridge across the canyon, among other things.     Read More

  

Christmas lights
It might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Christmas (somewhere with more snow is probably more likely) but Lucca is a great part of the world to be around the festive season. Between markets, ice-skating, pretty streets made prettier by twinkling lights, food and general good will and joy, it's got everything you could ask for. If you're thinking of spending Christmas away from home, Lucca is a great option as it is so full of Christmas spirit that you won't feel as if you are missing out on anything at all! You just need to find the perfect luxury villa in Lucca for you and yours so that you're nice and cosy and then start exploring the city and everything that is has to offer at this time of year!     Read More

  

Hunger Games Mockingjay pin
We've already discussed Lucca Comics generally before but as it is happening at the end of this month from the 30th of October to the 2nd of November, it seems a good idea to look at some of the highlights of this year's edition of the festival. Lucca Comics is Italy and Europe's biggest comic-book convention and the second biggest in the world and, therefore, attracts some exciting events, guests and performances. If you're passionate about gaming, comics, anime, television or movies, then be sure to stop by – just find a luxury villa in Lucca and you can spend a few days exploring the festival. Here are some of the best bits for the 2015 edition of Lucca Comics.     Read More

  

Pond at Villa Torrigiani
Once you've found a luxury villa in Lucca and are headed there on a holiday, it might be tempting to stay within the Baroque walls of the beautiful city, especially as there is so much to see, despite its relatively small size. However, venturing beyond these walls is well worth it – not only for the stunning Tuscan landscape which surrounds but also for the villas on the outskirts of Lucca. These buildings were originally largely the summer homes of influential merchants. With frescoed interiors, sumptuous architectural detail and stunning gardens with waterworks ahead of their time, these villas are a treat to the senses, pleasant ventures into the past and historical and artistic gems. One particularly beautiful example is Villa Torrigiani.     Read More