Bedding included
Villa Raffaelli
Nestled in the greenery of the Garfagnana, in the heart of Northern Tuscany, Villa Raffaelli is a historic residence dating back to the 1500s, now transformed into an elegant holiday home perfect for families and groups of friends. A stay here means experiencing something authentic, combining the charm of an ancient noble residence with the unspoiled beauty of the Tuscan mountains.
Built in 1582 on a previous medieval structure, the villa belonged for centuries to the Raffaelli family, an important Lucchese lineage with connections in politics, culture, and the Church. Among its most notable residents was Raffaello Raffaelli, historian and writer, who chose to spend much of his life in Fosciandora, captivated by its tranquility and by the landscapes of the Garfagnana. Over the centuries, the villa witnessed the political and social transformations of Tuscany, from the era of the Republic of Lucca to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, eventually becoming in 1900 the residence of a family that returned to Italy after making its fortune in America.
Today, Villa Raffaelli preserves its historic character, with original frescoes, period furnishings, and authentic architectural details, without sacrificing modern comforts such as a pool, an indoor hot tub, and spacious, welcoming areas. Strategically located, it gives you the chance to discover a different side of Tuscany than the usual tourist trails: mountains, medieval villages, trekking and e-bike trails, plus typical restaurants where you can enjoy true Tuscan cuisine.
If you’re seeking an exclusive and relaxing experience, away from mass tourism, Villa Raffaelli is the perfect retreat, merging history, nature, and authenticity in the heart of the Garfagnana.
Address & how to get here
Villa Raffaelli is located at Via Nicola Raffaelli 2, 55020, Fosciandora (LU), in the heart of the Garfagnana, one of the most authentic and untouched areas of Northern Tuscany. Unlike the more famous Tuscan hills, the Garfagnana offers spectacular mountain scenery, with woods, streams, and lush valleys — perfect for those who want a vacation immersed in nature.
The villa is easily reachable by car, and it’s recommended to arrive with your own vehicle so you can explore the area freely. For those traveling by train, the closest stations are Fosciandora-Ceserana and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, both a few minutes away. The closest airport is Pisa, about an hour and a half away by car, while Lucca is about an hour and Florence two hours.
This strategic location lets you enjoy a unique experience in a historic villa in Garfagnana, with the tranquility of the mountain countryside but also the ability to easily visit the most beautiful cities of Tuscany.
Arriving from Florence (south)
From the A11 / E76 highway, take the Lucca Est exit to get to Lucca. At that point follow the directions as described in “Arriving from Lucca.”
Arriving from Pisa (airport)
Take State Road 12 to get to Lucca, then follow the directions to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana as indicated in “Arriving from Lucca.”
Arriving from Lucca (last stretch)
To reach Lucca, take the Lucca Est exit on the highway, then follow the signs for Castelnuovo di Garfagnana: after circling the tree-lined walls of Lucca, continue on Strada Regionale 445 della Garfagnana, which follows the valley floor all the way to Castelnuovo Garfagnana. A few minutes after the Ponte di Campia, about 4 km before Castelnuovo Garfagnana, there’s a turn-off toward Fosciandora; once you leave the valley road, go up about 3 km until you reach the town of Fosciandora where, past the parking area and the small playground, you’ll see signs for Lupinaia on the left and La Bora on the right, while in the center there’s a short climb leading to Villa Raffaelli. Parking is in front of the villa or at the start of the climb.
Arriving from North/Aulla (avoid)
Attention! Your GPS may suggest passing via SRT445, but it’s actually not advisable to use this winding road; it’s better to take the A12/E80 highway to Lucca and continue along the valley floor as indicated in “Arriving from Lucca.”
Payment Options
At Villa Raffaelli, we offer various payment options for maximum convenience. In addition to traditional SEPA bank transfers, both domestic and international, we also accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), with transactions possible both on-chain and via the Lightning Network, for faster payments with lower fees.
Accepting Bitcoin means providing a secure, decentralized, and global payment method, ideal for anyone wanting an alternative to traditional currencies. If you prefer paying by credit card, you must book through Airbnb or Booking, where you’ll find our property and can take advantage of more flexible cancellation policies.
Bitcoin & Crypto
You can pay directly in Bitcoin (on-chain or Lightning Network) and other cryptocurrencies with an additional discount on the stay.
SEPA Transfer
You can pay by domestic or international SEPA transfer directly from your online banking or your preferred bank.
Credit Cards
To use a credit or debit card as a payment method, you will need to book through an online travel platform (OTA) such as Airbnb or Booking.com
Blog and Ideas for Your Vacation
The Villa Raffaelli blog is the ideal starting point for planning your vacation in the green valley of the Garfagnana in the north of Tuscany. Here you’ll find tips on what to do and see, the best typical restaurants, the most spectacular trekking and e-bike routes around the villa, and plenty of unique activities and experiences to enjoy during your stay. Whether you love nature, food and wine, or adventure, our blog has plenty of ideas to make your vacation unforgettable!