Villa Mascetti is a historic Renaissance estate located just outside the walls of Lucca. Built in the early 1500s according to designs attributed to Nicolao Civitali, the residence spans four levels and approximately 24,700 square feet of interior space. The property sits on 7.4 acres of private parkland and remains one of the region's most preserved examples of period architecture.
The estate has served as a residence for noble families and political figures for centuries, including a documented stay by Napoleon III in 1870. The interior is defined by its preserved 17th-century fresco cycles that cover the state rooms, the piano nobile and the loggias. These works depict mythological scenes and classical motifs, providing a continuous visual history throughout the primary living areas.
A central feature of the villa is the monumental ballroom. The space reaches a height of 52 feet and is large enough to host 120 seated guests. Its walls and ceilings are decorated with frescoes of deities and zodiac signs. This hall connects to a terrace room and a series of four salons, all retaining their historical decorative details and original layout.
On the ground floor, the Hall of Imperial Portraits leads to a loggia featuring Baroque frescoes in pink and gold tones. This area overlooks the private gardens and a lotus pond, serving as a transition between the formal interior and the estate grounds. The villa contains 12 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, maintaining a layout that functions as a private home despite its scale.
The 7.4-acre grounds consist of formal Italian gardens and English-style parkland, redesigned in the late 18th century. The landscape includes a camellia grove, a water lily pond and a variety of centuries-old trees. The property represents a significant cultural asset within the Lucca territory, combining architectural permanence with expansive botanical gardens.
