The dependance of the Villa can host up to 16 people. It is possible to rent it weekly, from Saturday to Saturday, with the use of the tennis court and (from the 15th of May to the 30th of September) also with the swimming pool.
If you are looking for the perfect venue for your reception, wedding or special event, the Villa Oliva in Lucca is the ideal location for an unforgettable occasion in the surroundings of an exceptional 16th Century Villa; statues, fountains and waterfalls create an magical atmosphere from another era, transporting you to a truly unique world of charm and elegance. It is available the garden, the stable and the antique lemon house. (http://www.villaoliva.it/villaen/events.html)
The Villa is available for meetings.
Villa Oliva has been, for 40 years, place of beautiful concerts, ballets and Opera (in August).
The first recorded document of the Villa goes back to 1593 and is a plan of the grounds of the Villa and a drawing of the palace. The building of the Villa was commissioned by the Buonvisi family at the end of the 15th century and built by Matteo Civitali (1436-1501).
Civitali was a famous renaissance architect formed at the school of Lorenzo de Medici in Florence. One of his more famous other buildings is the Palazzo Pretorio in Lucca. The Palace was residence of two Buonvisi Cardinals, Gerolamo and Francesco. In 1661 Cardinal Gerolamo hosted a Sinod with the participation of Pope Alexander VIII at the Villa; and Cardinal Francesco hosted another Sinod in 1700.
Also worth noting are the prestigious stables on the western side of the Villa.
A legend reports of a bet between a Buonvisi and the King of France Louis XIV. The Buonvisi claimed that his stable was more beautiful than any of the rooms of Versailles. The French Ambassador to the Republic of Lucca was sent by the king to visit the Buonvisi stable and verify that claim.
Before the visit Buonvisi had ordered the entire stable to be covered with French gold coins showing the effigy of Louis XIV. The ambassador had to confirm the claim back to Paris and Buonvisi won his bet.
From Lucca
Follow the signs for SS12 - Abetone. After approx 5 km. turn to righthand side following the signs Villa Oliva. You will reach the parking of the Villa after approx 1,5 km.
From Capannori
Follow signs for Marlia and then the signs VILLA OLIVA. You will reach the parking of the Villa after about 2 km from Marlia.
From Lucca Rail Station, Villa Oliva is about 8 km away.
From Pisa airport or Florence Peretola airport you can take the A11 motorway and take the exit respectively Lucca est or Capannori.
