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Villa Reale di Marlia

Restoration of Villa Reale

The restoration of Villa Reale aims to bring the rich artistic and architectural heritage of the royal residence, at its peak during the brief reign of Elisa Bonaparte, back to its former glory.

The current owners started a wide-ranging series of works in 2015, unprecedented in their quality and attention to detail.

Restoration has continued apace on both the main Villa, other buildings and the Park, aiming to combine tradition and innovation by using the latest technology and highly specialist local skills. In particular, the restoration of the interiors has benefitted from local expertise for work on the Carrara marble, wooden furniture, paintings, frescoes and flooring at the Villa. This comprehensive and multidisciplinary restoration has conserved original features, working together with local built heritage protection authorities in Lucca.

  • Restauro Villa Reale Borgogni 11
  • Restauro Villa Reale Borgogni 7
  • Restauro Villa Reale Borgogni 10

The Historic Phases of the Villa

The latest technologies have enabled a reconstruction and documentation of how the structure of the estate has changed over time, and has also brought to light many precious, hidden gems in the interiors of the Villa.

The phases of the building’s evolution can be defined as follows:

  • Buonvisi era (15th century) – gave the initial form to the estate
  • Orsetti era (16th century) – enriched and completed Villa Reale
  • Baciocchi Bonaparte era (beginning of the 19th century) – adding luxurious details and adornments
  • Pecci Blunt era (20th century) – restored and added to the existing heritage
  • Current owners (21st century) – embarked on a large-scale restoration project for the whole estate (all buildings and the Park)
  • Restauro Villa Reale Borgogni 15
  • Villa Reale prima dopo e1487588757774

Objectives and Methodology

The aim of the restoration is to discover and revise each historical era of the Villa and to enable all the current features Villa Reale – thanks to Elisa’s vision, the Pecci Blunt’s passions and the passing of time – to be enjoyed.

Numerous historical documents from various archives, together with detailed research on each location, have enabled the discovery of a range of elements including:

  • A medieval column, attesting to an ancient gothic configuration
  • Archways of numerous pre-existing doorways and openings
  • Layers of colour preserved under the surface of the façades – from beige to ochre, green, brown and light grey, washed away over the decades.

Façades

The restoration aims to enhance and conserve the Villa’s numerous existing architectural treasures. The first phase of works on the façades analysed the construction methods, the finish on the brickwork, paints and colours, the pots around the perimeter of the Villa and the Park, stonework, and the system of rainwater collection and drainage.

  • Salone Villa Reale di Marlia ristrutturato
  • Camera della Principessa Elisa - Villa Reale di Marlia

Interiors

For the first time ever, Elisa’s Empire style apartments opened to the public on a permanent basis, 200 years on from her death. Careful restoration work commisioned by the new owners Henric and Marina Grönberg has made it possible to enjoy the Villa’s luxurious surroundings as they once were, up to now a privilege only afforded to a handful of visitors to the private residence.

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Conosci:

The History
The Restorations
Restoration of Villa Reale
Restoration of the Clock House
Restoration of the Park
Restoration of the Entrance Buildings
The Stables at Villa Reale
The Scents and Sensations Trail
About Us

About:

The History
The Restorations
Restoration of Villa Reale
Restoration of the Clock House
Restoration of the Park
Restoration of the Entrance Buildings
The Stables at Villa Reale
The Scents and Sensations Trail
About Us

Découvrir:

The History
The Restorations
Restoration of Villa Reale
Restoration of the Clock House
Restoration of the Park
Restoration of the Entrance Buildings
The Stables at Villa Reale
The Scents and Sensations Trail
About Us

Erfahren:

The History
The Restorations
Restoration of Villa Reale
Restoration of the Clock House
Restoration of the Park
Restoration of the Entrance Buildings
The Stables at Villa Reale
The Scents and Sensations Trail
About Us

знать:

The History
The Restorations
Restoration of Villa Reale
Restoration of the Clock House
Restoration of the Park
Restoration of the Entrance Buildings
About Us

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