Villa Mansi represents perfectly the culture and the society of the old aristocratic Republic of Lucca. The Mansi family were silk merchants already well-known in 16th century Europe before they worked in close contact with other families from Lucca like Cenami and Bonvisi. The original building, constructed in the second half of the 16th century, has numerous beautiful frescos decorating the inside of the villa. One of these frescos "The triumph of the God Sun" was much appreciated by Elisa Baciocchi, princess of Lucca and Napoleon Bonaparte's sister.
In 1962 famous film of Luchino Visconti "Il Gattopardo" was produced in the rooms of Villa Mansi. |
