Villa Reale, Capannori
La Rinascenze By Night – Arte sotto le stelle
10 August 2020
After Italy’s general social lockdown in March and April this year, the team at Villa Reale Marlia were keen to reopen the estate in May. On 6 June they put on an event to re-enact the moment in 1810 when Elisa, Grand Duchess of Tuscany spent a summer at the villa where guests and artists entertained her family.
Villa Reale
In 1806 the then Princess of Lucca and Piombino, Elisa Baciocchi Bonaparte, Napoleon’s eldest sister, bought the villa in Marlia from the Lucchese family, the Orsetti and transformed both the villa and gardens into her private royal summer residence
Actors create a tableaux vivant in 19th century costume
A group of us obtained tickets to the event Arte sotto le stelle and it was on this warm sunny late afternoon we enjoyed strolling around the villa where various events and displays included gymnastics and ariel ballet. Inside the villa the royal residence showed much of the history of restoration that appeared to be recently finished for public viewing. Displays of art included paintings and sculptures confirming the villa’s rich cultural heritage.
View from the rear terrazzo as the light was fading
Due to the recent virus restrictions, catering in the villa’s gardens was limited and the public were encouraged to bring some food, although picnics were discouraged to avoid litter. For some of us in the group, the lack of easily available refreshments and toilet facilities meant we had to curtail our visit and we decided to find somewhere to eat back in Lucca. Sadly, this meant we were unable stay for the main attraction which was a firework display and the magical lighting effects in the beautiful formal gardens.
