Elisa Baciocchi, Napoleon’s sister, liked to spend her summers in Bagni di Lucca, where the air was cooler and fresher than in Lucca.
She had the road from Lucca upgraded and built a house above La Villa in 1811.
It is still there and in quite good condition. I think it has been converted to apartments.
It is good to see one of the old buildings being looked after.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
Thanks for that. Do you know lives there now or is it a public building? It looks like they’ve since added the balcony since the photo with the mule … this often happened in the 1920s. I also notice that the addition of the crest let to the shutter behind getting split in two segments. I love these old photos.
I love the old photos too. It is good that this building is being used as apartments. (See comments below)
Yes, the building has been split up into flats. The garden is kept up quite well. Several of those living there at present are refugees.
The garden does seem to be well cared for…good on them.
I am not totally certain of this, but I believe that the palace belongs nowadays to Council, along with quite a few historical buildings in the area. Some of them are in better shape than others and quite possibly, turning it into apartments, has helped,
In the first black and white photo, the balcony is clearly visible. Perhaps, the other photo has been damaged and this is why we cannot see it clearly. When you are in situ, it is clear that the balcony has not been a late addition.
I think the balcony is in the second photo, probably an earlier one, but the crest doesn’t seem to be there. I don’t know when the photos were taken…pity.
I can see it now… I was too sleepy this morning when I looked at it!!
Hi Debra
Where is the villa? Is it on the road to Montefegatesi from the park in La Villa?
Thank you Cristina
The villa is above the town at Bagno alla Villa, beside Villa Ada and past the swimming pool.
Lovely to see the building is preserved. Hope that many of the old buildings in the area are maintained well into the future.
It is much better to see these buildings put to good use, than being left to crumble.
What an interesting piece of history!
Bagni di Lucca is rich with history. It would make a great movie set.
I know, absolutely lovely
yes it is very interesting story and I loved the change… but always gives me sadness old things, old buildings, houses, etc. Something hits me… maybe I am so romantic or so nostalgic. It’s happening in my city too. Every corner, every street change and make me sad… Thank you dear Debra, love, nia
I think it is good to see old buildings being used…much better than watching them fall down.
yes I agree dear Debra, touching so sadly. Love, nia
Now that’s an interesting bit of history that I didn’t know. I would imagine my visitors to the area don’t know.
I love your “old and current” photo posts!!!!! This is beautiful!
I’ve parked near the house so many times over the years to go to the pool, and have stood at the gates wondering just what the interior would look like as the exterior is still impressive.
so much rich history. interesting that Bagni di Lucca was such a vacation spot. a very beautiful city.
George Miori