Capitolare Tower: philosophy and history of the project
There are places that exceed the definition of space.
There are places that can give life to memories to cherish e stories to tell. The Capitolare Tower of Portovenere is really a unique place in the worldo: for his past, his architecture, its design and for the idea of hospitality that reflects, 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: Of the rest, have you ever had at your disposal an entire tower by nearly 1000 years, the oldest place you can stay overnight, sea view e UNESCO heritage, just for you?
Andrea Borlenghi: dreamer and founder
We are in Portovenere, a small town nestled on 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 the idea of Andrea Borlenghi, who only needed a vacation to be won over by this corner of Italy, which, in fact, remains in his heart for years and years, nine to be exact. It is 2019 when leafing through a newspaper he comes across an article dedicated to the Capitolare Tower of Portovenere. Andrea at that time lives in Utrecht, the Netherlands, but those few lines are enough to immediately feel the spark of someone who finally puts the pieces of the puzzle back together, having immediately clear the way forward.
There is no choosing, no thinking: there is only going back to Italy.
The Capitolare Tower: a forgotten legacy
The Capitolare Tower Was erected in 1113 by the Genoese and was the first tower built in the city. Its main purpose was to defendand the entrance of the country: still bears the marks of the battles he witnessed.
For its function, Is in an extraordinarily privileged location, with a view of the sea and framed by all the beauty of Portovenere.
State-owned and long left abandoned, upon the arrival of Andrea è the silent symbol of a forgotten heritage, of an Italy rich in treasures too often undervalued.
Today is theperfect example of how an unused facility can be transformed into a exclusive retreat, Without distorting its identity.
The project: the challenge of Andrea
Despite the difficulties Andrea put forth all her energy (while working full-time at a 3D printing startup), finding himself facing Bureaucracy, logistical issues and financial challenges.
Far From the big capitals of hotel chains, the project Has been accomplished with an incredible amount of determination. This commitment makes it a place unlike any other: it is the result of a true love story.
Restoration between past, present and future
Restoration, started in 2020, preserved The integrity of the structure, Respecting the many building and artistic constraints, but without giving up the vision of A modern and functional environment.
Although the pandemic has further complicated the work, thanks to the team's willpower and expertise, the project moved forward with determination, exceeding all expectations. Every improvement identified on the run was implemented, sparing no effort, why 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 the 3D printing and recycled materials from the sea made it possible to integrate elements of contemporaneity and of sustainability, Maintaining the connection with the place where it belongs. 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 capable of telling a story of recovery and creativity, Going beyond aesthetics to embrace a deeper meaning
The team
Behind Capitolare Tower is. a group of young professionals which has shared the same passion as Andrea, Contributing their own talents.
Among them Michele Bassi, a brilliant Italian architect, that with his energy and its innovative spirit reimagined the Tower, never forgetting its origins. Along with him, Federica Cristaudo, artistic soul of the project, that brought an explosion of creativity at interior design.
2022: the first chapter of a new beginning
In 2022 Chapter Tower opened its doors.
Today is a promise for the future: give his guests emotions authentic, create indelible memories and offer something that no one else in the world can replicate. In winter, the Tower is opened to the community of Portovenere, hosting exhibitions, lectures and cultural events, a way to return something special to the city and to continue to cultivate the relationship with the land.
