A Year with Napoleon
Events, reenactments, and cultural events in Lucca dedicated to the Empire. Every year, Lucca celebrates its connection to the Napoleonic era with a rich calendar of events that combine historical reenactments, culture, music, dance, nature, and entertainment. An engaging way to rediscover the figure of Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi and the French legacy that transformed the city.
International historical reenactments
One of the most evocative events is the grand historical reenactment that brings Villa Reale, Elisa's beloved home, to life. Over one hundred performers from across Europe bring to life the summer of 1810, when the princess welcomed artists, intellectuals, and officials to the park and villa, transformed into a veritable open-air theater.
Art, music and entertainment
Throughout the year, events dedicated to the culture of the period take place: concerts featuring original music performed in iconic venues such as the Teatro di Verzura, open-air rehearsals and performances, water games, tableaux vivants, and historical dance demonstrations, led by masters specializing in 19th-century repertoire.
Sports, games and court life
For those who enjoy the more everyday and dynamic side of imperial life, there is no shortage of archery lessons, historical fencing demonstrations, military drills, outdoor games and scenes of court life, with moments of socializing and entertainment inspired by the pastimes of the era.
Paths through nature and scents
In spring, it's possible to participate in olfactory experiences dedicated to the essences and plants introduced by Elisa into her gardens: a sensorial way to learn about the botany of the time and the aesthetic taste of the court.
Napoleonic Conversations
During the summer, series of meetings and cultural insights – the Napoleonic Conversations – offer the public insights into topics related to daily life during the Empire: fashion, architecture, cuisine, etiquette, and politics. The meetings are organized by the project "From Paris to Tuscany: The Joy of Living in the Time of Napoleon and Elisa"In partnership with Le Souvenir Napoléonien / Western Tuscany.
Nineteenth-century dance
To truly immerse yourself in the spirit of the times, it is possible to participate in courses and workshops in historical dance – waltzes, quadrilles, mazurkas, country dances – organised by the Dance Society, with events open to all social dance enthusiasts. Information: 328 7082435 - lucca@societadidanza.it