The location of Villa Rossi is one of the structures that I have most appreciated during my experience as a wedding photographer in Tuscany. I have collected all the most important information, to allow you to get to know the history, the structure and answer the most frequently asked questions about the villa. Enjoy the reading!

Villa Rossi: history

The elegant Villa Rossi is a historic mansion dating back to the early 16th century located in Gattaiola, a hamlet of Lucca. The structure was built by Nicolao Civitali on commission from Francesco Burlamacchi, an extremely influential figure in Tuscany at the time. The latter, in fact, went down in history for having engineered a double conspiracy aimed at the introduction of the Protestant Reformation in Lucca. Discovered due to the betrayal of some of his companions, Burlamacchi was sentenced to death, while his properties were confiscated.

Villa Rossi was thus put up for auction, beginning to pass from family to family. The first buyer was, in 1548, the Duke of Amalfi, who nevertheless decided to sell the complex after a few years. Over the centuries the different owners of the mansion commissioned numerous works to enlarge and embellish the structure. In the 17th century, in particular, the famous paintings of the loggia and main floor were made by Bartolomeo de Santi and Antonio Cecchi.

Purchased in the late 19th century by Count Emilien de Nieuwerkerke, a close friend of Napoleon III, Villa Rossi became a small social center. Among the complex's various guests was Russian princess Olga Cantacuzene. Loved and protected by the count, the young woman received Villa Rossi as a gift for her marriage to Prince Altieri, thus becoming the new owner of the complex.

In 1940, the Villa was then purchased by Paolo Rossi, a famous anti-fascist notary, fleeing the bombing of Genoa. Currently, the owner of the Villa is Paolo Rossi's own daughter, writer Francesca Duranti. Over the past decades, the structure has been restored to its former glory and opened to the public, hosting tours and events.

Villa Rossi: the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding

The splendid Villa Rossi is one of the most prestigious and well-kept locations in the province of Lucca. Elegant and exquisitely classical in taste, the structure is perfect for the organization of fairytale events and weddings. It is, in fact, a mansion that has nothing to envy to the splendid Venetian villas, famous for their timeless charm.

Located a few kilometers from Lucca and the main Tuscan art cities, Villa Rossi is now the ideal location for traditional and romantic weddings. Thanks then to its privileged location within the gentle countryside of Lucca, the mansion offers dreamy views that will give privacy and relaxation to your reception.

Walking inside the bucolic park and admiring the beautiful pond here, it is really impossible not to fall in love with this place. And it is here, in the shade of the centuries-old foliage, that you can celebrate the sweetest of civil rites. The refined forest of camellias will then be the perfect backdrop for your most romantic and dreamy couple shots.

Going up along the complex's many paths, you will instead reach the gentle English garden of Villa Rossi. Spacious and full of bucolic nooks and crannies, this can host your cheerful summer receptions. From the welcome drink to the actual banquet, you can make use of the area to your liking, setting it up according to your tastes. Traditional wedding, glamorous, boho chic...you will be spoiled for choice!

If you prefer, on the other hand, to hold your event indoors, Villa Rossi also provides the bride and groom with its manor house. Characterized by evocative corners rich in history, this consists of large halls that now host the most solemn and luxurious events. Rich in frescoes and heirlooms, they will transport you and your guests to a bygone era, giving you the sumptuous and princely banquet you have always dreamed of.

Villa Rossi: the structure of the location

The prestigious Villa Rossi is one of the best-preserved historic residences in Tuscany. Nestled in the gentle countryside of Lucca, it features a clean, linear structure of clear Venetian inspiration. Embellished over the centuries with numerous frescoes, this splendid mansion now offers corners rich in history and beauty.

Reaching Villa Rossi, visitors are immediately greeted by its well-kept park, a vast space of more than 4 hectares created during the 18th century. Within it are the splendid camellia grove, a lotus pond and a nymphaeum. This romantic area can be used both for the celebration of the civil ceremony and reception, as well as for wedding shoots.

Walking up along the paths of the park, one then reaches the main body of Villa Rossi. What immediately catches the eye of visitors is definitely the elegant loggia directly overlooking the English garden of the complex. With its 150 square meters, this space can accommodate up to 80 people. It will therefore be suitable for more intimate weddings, dances or a scenic bouquet toss.

Accessing the main floor, on the other hand, it is possible to admire the splendid frescoed rooms in the Baroque style of Villa Rossi. Also made available for events and weddings, they can accommodate up to 350 guests. Prominent among them for their beauty are the entrance hall and the ballroom, featuring a vaulted ceiling as high as 16 meters. There are also a number of smaller lounges, which are opened as needed according to the needs of the bride and groom.

Finally, Villa Rossi also provides young couples with a bridal suite in which to spend their honeymoon. For guests, on the other hand, it is possible to request the use of a lovely farmhouse located in the grounds of the complex, now converted into an elegant B&B. Villa Rossi is truly a magical location in which time seems to stand still. If you are looking for an elegant and princely historic home, we are sure you will not be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Villa Rossi

• Where is Villa Rossi located? Villa Rossi is located in Gattaiola, a hamlet of the historic town of Lucca.
• Can I celebrate my wedding inside Villa Rossi? Certainly. You will be able to organize the shooting and reception inside the structure and in all the adjoining areas. The entire complex is exclusively dedicated to your celebration. You can then also celebrate your civil ceremony in the park upon request.
• Is there a restaurant inside Villa Rossi? The Villa does not have an in-house catering service. However, it is equipped with a kitchen at the service of the bride and groom's chosen caterer. Should you be without one, Villa Rossi staff can provide you with a list of the complex's trusted partners.
• What events is it possible to celebrate at Villa Rossi? Inside Villa Rossi it is possible to organize your most important celebrations. In fact, the facility is open for weddings and private events.
• Can Villa Rossi host business meetings? Yes, Villa Rossi is open for meetings and conventions. The facility is equipped with the best technologies to ensure you have a professional event.
• Can I stay overnight inside Villa Rossi? Yes, Villa Rossi gives newlyweds the opportunity to spend their honeymoon inside the complex. Then in the vast park you will find the Casale di Villa Rossi, a comfortable B&B located in the Gothic building. Here you will find as many as four bedrooms, able to accommodate up to 11 people. Finally, just two kilometers from the location is the elegant Villa Michaela hotel, ideal for large groups.