Villa Paolina, Neoclassical villa in Viareggio, Italy

Villa Paolina is a neoclassical building in Viareggio, designed by Giovanni Lazzarini in 1822 with a square ground-floor plan of four modules. Its sea-facing facade has a terrace on a neoclassical colonnade, and the entrance is framed by two Doric columns supporting a small balcony. The first floor was originally closed on three sides, with a loggia facing the garden; closing the loggia later added a fourth front.

The residence was constructed between 1822 and 1823 by architect Giovanni Lazzarini and initially served as home to Napoleon's sister Paolina Bonaparte. Following her departure in 1825, the building changed hands several times before eventually becoming a public museum.

The villa is also called "Il rifugio di Venere" (the refuge of Venus). Paolina Bonaparte chose it to live near the musician Giovanni Pacini, and she surrounded herself with artists and musicians, hosting theatrical performances in a small theatre in the garden. Today it houses the Civici Musei di Villa Paolina and a gallery of contemporary art.

The villa is centrally located near Piazza Shelley in Viareggio and sits within easy walking distance of the beach promenade and bathing facilities. A visit fits naturally into a seaside stroll or afternoon exploring the town's coastal area.

A local legend connects the villa to English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, whose body allegedly washed ashore at this beach after drowning. This tragic event has bound the villa to the literary history of the town.