Villa Reale Museum
The triumph of the Italian Empire style
The apartments of Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, inside the Royal Villa, represent one of the most important example of Empire Style in Italy, developed during the Napoleonic era, the aesthetic is characterised by numerous visual references to Imperial Rome and the Egypt of the Pharaohs.
Napoleon’s sister, Elisa Bonaparte Bachiocchi (also known as the Princess of Lucca and Piombino) bought the Villa in 1806 from the Orsetti family, a historic, aristocratic family from Lucca. Despite the fact that Elisa owned the Villa for a relatively short period of time in its history, she left an indelible impression on the property’s appearance, following her brother’s taste for Parisian style and form.
The museum is on two floors, accessible by the lift.
Free audio guide by downloading the “Villa Reale” app on your smartphone.
Ground Floor:
Entrance
Dedicated to welcoming guests, this room, with its faux-coffered ceiling, still has this role today.
Dining Room
An impressive table dominates the centre of this large room, a reminder of the sumptuous meals served in times past.
Billiard Room
the antique billiard table is a reminder of Elisa’s great passion for the game.
Felice’s Room
this classically styled bedroom was reserved for Prince Felice Baciocchi.
First Floor:
Atrium
The stucco-work which adorns this area is some of the most refined and beautiful decoration work in the whole Villa. The large tapestry hanging on the wall was inspired by ancient Rome.
Library
A space of culture and learning, this cosy library contains a small selection from the Villa’s larger collection of books.
Ballroom
This richly-decorated room boasts a harp and a piano from the beginning of the 1800s, witness to numerous parties and masked balls.
Games Room
This room, with its characteristic tables for backgammon and bouillotte, is testament to an important element of social life at the time.
Reception Hall
Dotted with numerous works of art (including Tofanelli’s impressive “Dance of the Hours”), this reception room offers a spectacular view over the park.
Bathroom
This room is striking for its unusual opulence and the Carrara marble furniture.
Elisa’s Bedroom
Elisa’s private sleeping quarters. The bed, with its Imperial design, is of particular interest, along with the intricate wallpaper, or ‘papier peint panoramique’.
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