Visit Villa Durazzo in Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
Photo by: Clara Bigaretti fotografa / Villa Durazzo
The Hidden Gem of Santa Margherita Ligure: Discover the Perfect Blend of Art, History, and Nature at One of Italy’s Great Historical Gardens
Perched high above the harbor, Villa Durazzo is one of Santa Margherita’s most enchanting attractions. It combines history, elegance, and natural beauty in a setting that feels straight out of a classic Italian film. With its 17th-century grandeur, sweeping gardens, and breathtaking views of the Ligurian coastline, the villa offers a timeless charm that is both romantic and serene. When you visit Villa Durazzo, it feels as though you are stepping back in time!
Known primarily as a venue for weddings and upscale events, it deserves to be a must-visit stop for every tourist. We still reminisce about wandering through its manicured gardens and staring out at the sea with its statues. The villa’s terraces provided us the perfect backdrop for capturing dreamy photographs and making memories. Villa Durazzo offers a quiet escape from the bustle below, making it a magical addition to any Riviera itinerary.
The History of Villa Durazzo: Tracing the Roots of Elegance
Originally built in 1678 as a summer retreat for the Durazzo family, the villa’s story spans centuries and evolutions in design. In 1821, the Villa was given up to Centurione princes and its stunning gardens were adorned with neoclassical marble statues. In 1892, it briefly served as the Grand Hotel for the Columbian Celebrations, hosting prominent figures like the Prince of Wied and the Queen of Italy. When Alfredo Chierichetti purchased the property in 1919, he completed the final work on the garden with exotic plants, cobbled paths, statues and flower boxes. By 1973, the villa was preserved for public enjoyment, ensuring its treasures remain accessible to all.
Villa Durazzo’s Magnificent Gardens
The magic of Villa Durazzo extends beyond its walls and into its expansive gardens overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio. These gardens, recognized as part of the “Great Italian Gardens” circuit:
The Citrus Garden: The oldest section, dating back to the Durazzo family’s original design, features terraces brimming with orange, lemon, and grapefruit trees. This lush green backdrop, set against the sparkling sea, feels like a Mediterranean dream.
The Italian Garden: Developed in the 19th century, this section captivates with its geometric box-tree hedges, vibrant roses, and rare camellias, complemented by striking cycads that add an exotic touch.
The Romantic English Wood: Added in the 20th century, this area blends Mediterranean and exotic flora, featuring palms, cypresses, and lime trees winding down the hillside in a tranquil, storybook-like setting.
The Secret Garden of the Centurione Princes: Recently restored, this hidden gem offers a secluded, intimate escape amidst the greenery, adorned with fountains, statues, and flowerbeds.
At the heart of the gardens lies the villa’s grand terrace, featuring black-and-white cobblestone mosaics created in the traditional “risseu” Ligurian style. Designed by Giovanni Franceschetti in the early 20th century, these floral-patterned pavings enhance the villa’s romantic ambiance. You can’t visit Villa Durazzo without a walk through the beautiful gardens!
Art, Architecture, And Italian Refinement Inside Villa Durazzo
Open year-round, the apartments are adorned with period furnishings and house an extraordinary collection of 17th- and 18th-century paintings by Genoese masters such as Domenico Piola and Giovanni Battista Paggi. The tour begins with the stately slate-and-marble foyer before leading through a series of exquisitely designed rooms.
Highlights include the grand Hall of Celebrations, showcasing a Louis XVI crystal chandelier, and the Venetian Room, decorated with dramatic works like The Death of Cleopatra by Luciano Borzone. The Grotesque Parlour, named for its whimsical ceiling designs, dazzles with polychrome Murano glass chandeliers and a collection of Genoese paintings. The tour ends with breathtaking views from the Loggiato Mare and the regal Bedroom dedicated to Queen Margherita of Savoy, a nod to her 1904 visit when the villa served as a Grand Hotel.
Additionally, the villa hosts the Bellometti collection, featuring works by renowned artists and a variety of ceramics and Chinoiserie. Visitors can also explore the office of Vittorio G. Rossi, a celebrated journalist and sea writer, preserved with artifacts from his global adventures, including mementos from historic events like the moon landing.
How to Visit Villa Durazzo in Santa Margherita Ligure
How to get to Villa Durazzo in Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
Once you arrive in Santa Margherita, you can easily walk or drive to one of the Villa’s entrances listed below:
Via Principe Centurione: Located in the center of Santa Margherita Ligure
Via San Francesco d’Assisi, 3: The Autopark Riviera car park is about 100 meters from this entrance
Piazzale San Giacomo, 3: Another entrance to the villa
Autopark Riviera: This is a paid car park that has easy access to the Villa.
Getting to the Villa is half of the charm! There are a number of well-marked paths that cater to a variety of different lengths and levels of difficulty. Be sure to wear sensible shoes for a walk that may have uneven surfaces.
Visiting Hours and Options
Villa Durazzo and its gardens are open to the public every day.
Villa Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: € 5,50 adults, € 4,00 FAI and Touring members, and € 3,00 children (8-14)
Guided Tours are also available: Contact The Secretarial Office at Villa Durazzo to book
e-mail: info@villadurazzo.it
Garden Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Free Admission
The Coffee House & Bistrot
If you’re looking for the perfect place to enjoy a meal or have drinks after visiting the Villa, take a table at The Coffee House & Bistrot. Immersed in the quiet and beauty of the gardens, its splendid indoor and outdoor areas, offers a moment of relaxation overlooking the Gulf of S. Margherita Ligure.
Add Villa Durazzo to your Italian Riviera Itinerary
If you are planning a trip to Cinque Terre or Portofino, you have to stop in Santa Margherita and visit Villa Durazzo! Whether you’re exploring the historic apartments, wandering the gardens, or simply soaking in the sweeping views of the Ligurian coastline, Villa Durazzo is one of the BEST things to do in Santa Margherita. Take a journey through centuries of art, culture, and natural beauty at this bucket-list destination!
Are you trying to figure out whether you should stay in Portofino or Santa Margherita? Read our FULL review here!
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