 |
||||
 |
 |
  The Portofino Kulm Hotel is built in full Belle époque style at the beginning of the 1900s based on the idea of Sebastiano Gaggini, an engineer from Swiss Canton Ticino Region. He wanted to realize a hotel on top of the mount just behind the village of Camogli, to compete with the prestigious Rihi Kulm on the lake of the Four Cantons in Switzerland. Works started on 1903 and in 1906 a delegation of foreign journalists is enthusiastic about the realization of such a new structure echoing the new site abroad. May 1908 is an historic period for the Portofino Kulm Hotel, whose main south area, the Hermitage, has been completed and work on the main central building has already started. The hotel welcomes the Queen Mother Margherita di Savoia, and the Poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, who plays a significant role for the international popularity of the hotel. A substantial number of Anglo-Saxons discover the Ligurian Riviera, mixing with the Russian nobility while the European bourgeoisie makes the most of the industrial revolution. The demanding clients find everything they need at the Portofino Kulm: a sophisticated yet genuine cuisine, the possibility of going for walks, playing tennis and enjoying themselves with the latest attractions. The Fist World War halts the dream temporarily, and the tennis court is replaced by an imprisonment camp, while premises of the hotel are turned into a hospital of injured French and English officers. After the war the hotel witnesses a frantic diplomatic activity linked to the peace treaties. A Golden Book records the presence of representatives of the Italia Royal Family, many Japanese and German guests but above all personalities from the world of science, sport and entertainment. Among them there are Giacomo Puccini, Guglielmo Marconi, Suzanne Lenglen and Nedo Nadi. The Parco Monte di Portofino was established in 1935 playing crucial role in the protection of the environment, while the Marine Park is established later. But in the aftermath of Second World War the Hotel remain closed and only occasionally it opens for wedding receptions and special parties. At the beginning of the 1990s the Portofino Kulm hotel slowly takes a turn for the better. Raul Gardini reintruduces the hotel by organizing business school. However the tragic death of the entrepreneur stops the project from going forward. Finally the hotel Kulm takes a decisive step in the right direction under the new management of the De Ferrari and De Gregori families who bring it up our days. The relauching is immediate and supported by the presence of a restaurant able to stand up to the century old-tradition of the hotel. A further step forward towards the old splendor is made by the opening of the Mességué wellbeing centre at the end of last year. |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
< Back |
Top |
|
Celebration for the 100th anniversary of Portofino Kulm Hotel |
Booking on Line
Copyright © 2010 Consorzio Portofino Coast - All Rights reserved - The use of this site implies the acceptance of the Conditions of Use.
Site Map | Privacy information | Copyright | Credits