OUR HEART
In the heart of Lucca’s historic center, just a short walk from the luxurious Grand Universe Lucca, stands a noble residence with an ancient history woven in fine silk.
LUCCA. OUR HOME.
OUR PROMISE
Experience an exclusive, cozy environment with impeccable details in which to spend a memorable stay, amid comfort and privacy: this is the promise we make to our guests.
THE RESIDENCE
In this cosmopolitan noble residence, guests can experience the refined lifestyle of a timeless journey through contemporary and eclectic hospitality.
OUR CITY. OUR HISTORY.
Grand Universe La Residenza is located on Via della Polveriera. It was built in 1572, at the beginning of Lucca’s modern period, when the city was restructured following the expansion of the city walls by two well-known Renaissance architects, Alessandro Resta and Vincenzo Civitali.
THE FAMILY MANSI
The residence belonged to one of Lucca’s noblest families, the Mansi, known throughout Europe because they traded in silk. In Lucca, this trade had flourished since the 1800s through the Silk Road, which connected east and west. In the late 12th century, the city’s merchants began producing their own silk and exporting it to both France and the rest of Europe. During the Renaissance, owning Lucca’s coveted silk was almost a must for all European noble families, and as the years passed, Lucca developed increasingly advanced processing techniques.
AN ANCIENT NOBLE RESIDENCE
Grand Universe La Residenza, once known as “Palazzo Mansi in Via Polveriera,” was one of the many Mansi properties and was used as a family home, in keeping with the original purpose intended by its first owner, Nicolao Mansi. It is an aristocratic residence, in the heart of the city. With an imposing stone gate adorned with the Mansi coat of arms, its refined and elegant rooms, and beautiful inner courtyard, the property would be home to many future generations, keeping the family tradition of the silk trade alive.
LIKE THREADS WEAVING OUR WEB
THE LEGACY MADE OF SILK
Grand Universe La Residenza is decorated with creations illustrating the silk tradition as a tribute to the Mansi family’s legacy.
THE HISTORY OF FAMILY.
In Italy there is a saying that goes, “Family is everything.” Our property nurtures and distills the spirit of a family residence, from the 16th century to the present.
LOVE FOR EXQUISITE DETAILS
We like beautiful things and love to enjoy the big and small comforts of life. That’s why we make sure our guests also experience an eclectic lifestyle.