San Giorgio Castle: Portofino’s Gem

In the soul-stirring landscape of Portofino, the San Giorgio Castle, formerly known as Mumm, proudly stands as a testament to luxury and elegance. Back in the ‘50s, the esteemed Genoese shipowner Ernesto Fassio acquired this majestic piece of architecture, dedicating it to the esteemed San Giorgio Company.

Nestled in an enviable panoramic position, this jewel overlooks the pristine harbor of Portofino and the azure sea beyond. Built in the XII century, the castle has danced through the ages, each transformation and expansion weaving more threads of grandeur into its essence, especially prominent in the XIV and XVII centuries.

Il Castelletto of Portofino

Nestled in the heart of Portofino, Il Castelletto stands as a unique watchtower worthy of remembrance. Historical chronicles recount, “…it was an ancient lookout, used to spot the Saracens. Owned by the Prato family for over 120 years, the property has seen several renovations, elevating its splendor to the state we witness today.”

Positioned strategically, Il Castelletto offers panoramic views of the entirety of Portofino. Turning eastward, one can behold the coastal expanse curving around the Gulf of Tigullio. The vista stretches beyond, encompassing the island of Tino in the Gulf of La Spezia.

Villa Altachiara in Portofino Italy

In the vibrant 1960s, Portofino’s Villa Altachiara found new guardians: the Agusta brothers – Domenico, Mario, and Corrado. With their shared vision, they founded the D.M.C. company, naming the villa under its banner. Whispered tales suggested that family reasons kept the villa’s doors closed for years, with only the guardian, Giuseppe Oneto, fondly known as Pi, gracing its halls.

It was only after the passing of Domenico and Mario that Count Corrado began restoring its glory, ensuring the villa echoed both the legacy of its founders and the modern advancements of the time. With an unwavering respect for nature, Count Corrado graced the villa with luxurious additions: a swimming pool, helipad, a bocce ball court, and an outdoor gym.

Villa Klaus in Portofino

Meet Mr. Klaus – the owner of Villa Klaus in Portofino – a vibrant German gentleman who found his second home in the heart of Italy. His journey began when he moved to Genova at a young age, immersing himself so deeply in the culture that his fluency in Genoese dialect could easily mask his German roots. His jovial character and passion for the sea connected us; I remember him entrusting us with his 5-meter boat, “Puk.”

Villa Beatrice in Portofino

Nestled between the picturesque towns of Paraggi and Portofino, Villa Beatrice stands as a testament to timeless elegance. As you cruise along the scenic route to Portofino, just about a mile before reaching the village, look left to an open public terrace. Right above you? That’s where this beauty stands. Known in bygone eras as Castello Odero, this majestic mansion towers over Punta Caiega, safeguarded by the Portofino Park since the mid-1930s. To get there, one treads the “Passeggiata dei Baci” – where legends like Humphrey Bogart and Ava Gardner once whispered sweet nothings – an enchanting trail overlooking the winding road below.