Villa La Contessa

Villa La Contessa is a historical residence dating back to the 1600s and owned by the Oldoini family, who originally hailed from Cremona but who settled in La Spezia around the 1400s. It is located within a much older hamlet called ‘Toracca’. According to feudal tradition, this small village was entirely self-sufficient, boasting an olive mill, a water mill and vast farmland cultivated with all kinds of horticultural products. Distinguished by its typical Ligurian red colour, the former caretaker’s house was constructed next to the main building, following a layout cherished by the Oldoini family.

Passed down through the generations, the Villa came into the possession of Virginia Oldoini, better known as the Countess of Castiglione, after she inherited it from her father Filippo. Virginia spent considerable periods of time here, both before and after her mission at the court of Napoleon III, a role which had been assigned to her by Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour. The chapel within the Villa is worthy of special note. It was consecrated in 1768 at the request of Virginia’s ancestor, Grimaldo Oldoini.

Virginia Oldoini had nicknamed the estate, comprising the Villa and fourteen tenant farms ‘my Mountain’, and indeed, the open hillside position offering a sweeping panorama of the famous “Gulf of Poets” does give anyone standing there the impression of being on a mountain. Virginia was deeply enamoured with the property, referring to it in letters she wrote during the later years of her life and expressing concern at the prospect that it could be seized by her creditors.

Towards the end of the 19th century, the Villa underwent modifications, most likely carried out by Virginia herself, which adapted the building to the tastes of the time. This included the addition of the double staircase and decorations depicting cherubs, which are still present today. The completely restored Villa has retained both its original layout and furnishings, to the extent that it feels like Virginia herself might appear at any given moment out of one of the twenty rooms in the Villa!

Villa la contessa: an exclusive venue for private events in the cinque terre area
Villa La Contessa is the ideal choice for those seeking a historic location for private events or weddings in the La Spezia area. Guests can enjoy the exclusive use of of six elegant salons and a picturesque garden with a sea view. The Villa is the perfect place to celebrate your wedding in the Cinque Terre area.

Facilities and amenities at villa la contessa
Guests staying at the Villa will sleep in beautiful, comfortable rooms equipped with all the necessary amenities. The rooms can only be booked for the night in conjunction with the requested event, for a maximum of 12 people. For larger groups, there are several Bed and Breakfast options very close to the Villa.