Tuscany abounds with beautiful historic buildings and homes, in particular. Some of these astounding buildings remain private homes (some can even be booked through our website, like the stunning Villa Moriano that we recently highlighted), others have been converted into hotels, and others still house museums or are open to the public for tours as attractions in their own right. Many have equally gorgeous gardens that can be enjoyed and explored. Villa Bottini in Lucca is a very charming example that is sometimes open to the public but, more often, is used as a site for various kinds of exhibitions and events.
While perhaps not as famous as some of the buildings that surround in Lucca and certainly not a household name like Tuscany’s most famous architectural gems, it is certainly worth exploring if you have found a villa with pool in Lucca or if you are planning on renting one of our Tuscany Villas this summer and are looking for unique events to attend in the most magical of settings. Varying hugely each year, you’ll have to keep your eyes open, but you can pretty reliably ensure that this intriguing gem of a building is likely going to be the site of some extraordinary outings and magical events.
Villa Bottini is actually also at the centre of some important historical events and has an especially rich history that features some well-known names. Built in the 16th century for the Buonvisi family, it was then bought in the early 19th century by none other than Elisa Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister. Also, among the three architects said to have worked on the building, we find Florentine talent and famous architect and designer (and supposed inventor of the precursor to modern gelato) Buontalenti. Considered one of the most beautiful villas in Lucca, it was hugely influential on the design of others in the surrounding area and features well-loved gardens with incredibly impressive entryways that boast elaborate and elegant designs.
The villa was then bought by Marquis Bottini in the 20th century and passed to the Motroni Andreozzi and Marcheschi families before being taken over by the region of Tuscany and restored carefully. Finally, it was sold to the town of Lucca and is today open to the public as an incredible event space right in the historic core of the city, while the gardens are permanently open for visits.
During the summers, in particular, the gardens have previously often played host to outdoor film screenings, including new blockbuster films such as Bullet Train and Black Panther. So, if you are planning to find a villa in Lucca this summer then be sure to check out the gardens and keep your eyes peeled for posters advertising events in the space. These screenings are often free to attend and don’t require booking in advance but this may be subject to change. Other events that have been previously held at Villa Bottini include markets and fairs, art exhibitions, and more. Again, the easiest way to find out if anything is taking place is to wander over to the gardens during your stay and see if anything is being advertised currently. But, even if no particular event is coming up during your time in Lucca, we still recommend a stroll around this beautiful gem and, as it is in the centre of town, it is easy to take in as you explore all that this incredible city has to offer.
So, browse our vacation rentals in Lucca today and start delving into the endless events, beautiful sights, attractions, remarkably lovely historic centre, and much more besides that are all on offer in this gem of a town in Tuscany.
