Ancient Camellias of Lucchesia Exhibition

The Italian realm of the camellia

The Ancient Camellias of Lucchesia Exhibition is the major spring festival dedicated to the camellia. Every year, during the first four weekends of March, it enlivens the villages of Pieve and Sant'Andrea di Compito, in the municipality of Capannori, in the province of Lucca (Tuscany). It is here, in the so-called Borgo delle Camelie (Camellia Village), that one of Italy's most important botanical treasures flourishes: around three thousand plants scattered among historic villas, gardens, and ancient camellia groves.

The Camellietum Compitese

The heart of the event is the Camellietum Compitese, a collection housing over 1,700 specimens and more than 1,000 different cultivars. For over a decade, it has been recognized as a Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society, an international accolade that ranks it among the most prestigious camellia gardens in the world. During the exhibition, guided tours of the camellia grove depart every half hour, leading visitors through the blooms and revealing the history of this plant, which arrived in Lucchesia in the 19th century.

A rich program

The exhibition is not just a botanical event: in its most recent editions, it has featured over 180 appointments spread across the four weekends. The program weaves together nature, culture, and tradition with:

• Tea ceremonies (Japanese and Chinese), in homage to the oriental origins of the camellia;
• Guided tours of the Camellietum, the Antica Chiusa Borrini, and historic villas (Villa Orsi, Villa Borrini, Villa Torregrossa);
• Concerts and live music, featuring local philharmonic orchestras;
• Historical re-enactments and medieval costume pageants;
• Workshops on Japanese paper, screen printing, and photography;
• Educational activities and shows designed for children and families;
• Trekking and experiential trails in the Compitese countryside.

The flavors of Lucchesia

Ample space is dedicated to traditional Lucchese food and wine: along the exhibition route, you will find refreshment points serving local cuisine and wine tastings, creating a village festival atmosphere that involves the entire Compitese community.

A local landmark event

The event is organized by the Centro Culturale Compitese in partnership with the Municipality of Capannori and with the support of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca, in collaboration with numerous local associations and the historic Villa Reale di Marlia. Over the years, the Camellia Exhibition has become one of the most anticipated spring events in the province of Lucca and all of Tuscany, attracting botanical enthusiasts, families, and tourists from all over Italy.