There are places that exceed the definition of space.
There are places that can give life to memories to cherish and stories to tell. Capitolare Tower in Portovenere is truly a unique place in the world: for its past, its architecture, its design and for the idea of hospitality it embodies, but above all for its unique ability to turn every stay into a gift.
Here you don't just give yourself a vacation, you give yourself an experience: after all, have you ever had at your disposal an entire tower of nearly 1,000 years, the oldest tower in the world you can sleep in, with a sea view, in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all to yourself?
Andrea Borlenghi: dreamer and founder
We are in Portovenere, a small town nestled along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Liguria: it is from here, from this sea, that it all began.
The project was born from an idea of Andrea Borlenghi, who needed just one vacation to fall for this corner of Italy, which then stayed in his heart for years, nine to be exact. In 2019, leafing through a newspaper, he came across an article about the Capitolare Tower of Portovenere. At the time Andrea was living in Utrecht, in the Netherlands, but those few lines were enough: he felt the spark of someone who finally sees the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, and the way forward was immediately clear.
There was nothing to choose, nothing to think about: there was only going back to Italy.
The Capitolare Tower: a forgotten legacy
The Capitolare Tower was built in 1113 by the Genoese and was the first tower in the town. Its main purpose was to defendand the entrance of the village: it still bears the marks of the battles it witnessed.
Because of its role, it stands in an extraordinary position, overlooking the sea and framed by all the beauty of Portovenere.
State-owned and long abandoned, when Andrea arrived it was the silent symbol of a forgotten heritage, of an Italy rich in treasures too often undervalued.
Today it is theperfect example of how an unused building can become an exclusive retreat, without losing its identity.
The project: Andrea’s challenge
Despite the difficulties, Andrea put all his energy into it (while working full-time at a 3D printing startup), facing bureaucracy, logistical issues and financial challenges.
Far from the deep pockets of hotel chains, the project was carried through with incredible determination. This commitment makes it a place unlike any other: it is the result of a true love story.
A restoration between past, present and future
The restoration, started in 2020, preserved the integrity of the structure, respecting the many building and heritage constraints, without giving up the vision of a modern and functional space.
Although the pandemic complicated the work further, thanks to the team's willpower and expertise, the project moved forward with determination, and exceeded all expectations. Every improvement spotted along the way was made, sparing no effort, because the goal was not only to complete the work, but to create a work of art that was perfect in every detail.
The use of 3D printing and materials recycled from the sea made it possible to bring in elements of contemporary design and of sustainability, while keeping the connection with the place it belongs to. What might seem like a simply "eccentric" style is instead the result of a very specific idea: each element was chosen and redesigned to give life to a unique design that tells a story of recovery and creativity, going beyond aesthetics to embrace a deeper meaning.
The team
Behind Capitolare Tower there is a group of young professionals who shared Andrea’s passion, and contributed their own talents.
Among them Michele Bassi, a brilliant Italian architect, who, with its energy and an innovative spirit, reimagined the Tower, never forgetting its origins. Along with him, Federica Cristaudo, the artistic soul of the project, who brought an explosion of creativity to the interior design.
2022: the first chapter of a new beginning
In 2022 Capitolare Tower opened its doors.
Today it is a promise for the future: to give its guests emotions that feel real, to create indelible memories and offer something that no one else in the world can replicate. In winter, the Tower opens to the people of Portovenere, hosting exhibitions, lectures and cultural events, a way to give something special back to the town and keep nurturing its bond with the area.
That first tower gave birth to Demanio Investimenti, the brand under which Andrea now takes part in public tenders for lighthouses, towers and historic buildings across Italy.
WHY BOOK ON OUR WEBSITE
Best available price
Booking on our website costs less than on booking portals.
Money-back guarantee
If you are not satisfied after the first night, we refund your entire stay.
Flexible rate
Free cancellation up to 7 days before arrival.
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