This property is on the market for €19,000,000, listed with Riccardo Romolini of Romolini Immobiliare.

This stunning 17th century villa is located in the countryside of Lucca, one of the most beloved cities in Tuscany, Italy.

Villa Mansi belonged to one of the most famous merchant families of Lucca, the Mansi, who made a fortune trading silk with Flanders in the 17th century. 

The Italian villa dates back to the 16th century, when it belonged to Nicolao Benedetti, whose heirs sold it to Bartolomeo Cenami. The current structure was built between 1634-5 by the Urbanite architect Muzio Oddi. 

The property was purchased in 1675 by the Marquis Raffaello Mansi as a country residence, and was again transformed in the 18th century with the addition of its striking Baroque facade by the Lucca architect Gusti. 

The renowned Baroque gardens also date back to this time, created by the Italian architect and stage set designer Filippo Juvarra who implemented innovative hydraulics technology into the gardens and water features, which today still retain much of their original romance. 

The villa has also preserved much of its original period detail, decorated with marble statues, its walls and ceilings covered with stunning frescoes, pilasters and gilded moldings. 

The central hall features the most striking examples of mythological murals by the neoclassical painter Stefano Tofanelli. Two large side canvases feature depictions of Apollo, with the central ceiling mural depicting "The Triumph of the Sun God". Other depictions include by the artist show the “Trial of Midas” and the “Death of Marysias”. 

With 22,733 square feet of interior space, the villa offers 11 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms on the upper levels, which are accessible via stairs or an elevator. 

Offering over 11 acres of grounds with 10 acres of Baroque gardens, the property also has a fish pond, lawns with mature trees and camelias, and an abandoned citrus garden. 

Further buildings on the property requiring restoration include a  7500+ square foot farm house, a 2100+ square foot annex building, and a 22,000+ square foot stable block.  

The property belonged to the same family since the 17th century, sold last in 2008 to the current owners. The villa and gardens are frequently let as an events / wedding venue, presenting a unique enterprise opportunity in one of Italy’s most beloved areas in Tuscany. 

All photos belong to the listing agency.