The building was commissioned by the Buonvisi family at the end of the 15th century and built by Matteo Civitali (1436-1501). A legend reports of a bet between a Buonvisi and the King of France Louis XIV. The Buonvisi claimed that his stable was more beautiful than any of the rooms of Versailles. The French Ambassador to the Republic of Lucca was sent by the king to visit the Buonvisi stable and verify that claim. Before the visit Buonvisi had ordered the entire stable to be covered with French gold coins showing the effigy of Louis XIV. The ambassador had to confirm the claim back to Paris and Buonvisi won his bet.
Villa Oliva
