The four star Hotel Villa la Principessa is located a short distance from Lucca, at the base of the hills that skirt this splendid mediaeval city.

The area is home to numerous parks and gardens that conceal the refined architecture of many a fine palace/villa, and La Principessa can justly claim to be one of the most ancient palaces of the area.

It was once the home and court of Castruccio Castracani (1281 - 1328), Lord and Duke of Lucca. A man of arms and a mercenary, he is famed as being the inspiration for Machiavelli's Prince.

Now a luxury 40 bedroomed hotel (... read on.)