In the heart of the beautiful Gulf of Poets, between Liguria and Tuscany, the Grand Hotel Portovenere continues to stand out as a beacon of elegance.
Every year, the hotel finds new ways to reinvent itself, always improving its spaces—from rooms to suites, from the restaurant to the common areas.
Each new addition is designed to surprise and exceed the expectations of its guests, while also making Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage gem and gateway to the Cinque Terre, even more appealing.
This year, one of the most exciting new features is the roof garden designed by architect Virginia Neri. This project strengthens the hotel’s connection to nature and the local tradition in a fresh and innovative way.
We had already interviewed Virginia in the past, to discuss the design choices for the new suites and the restaurant restyling at Grand Hotel Portovenere.
Virginia, can you tell us how the idea of creating a roof garden at the Grand Hotel Portovenere came about?
The idea of a roof garden came from the hotel’s desire to connect the history of the 17th-century convent where the hotel is located with the surrounding landscape.
We wanted something modern but also respectful of the historical and natural context. The garden acts as a “bridge” between the old and the new, a nod to the convent’s past, when its cloister was used as a vegetable garden and orchard.
How does this garden fit with the surrounding landscape and environment?
The roof garden creates a visual connection with the nearby scenery: the green of the vegetable gardens inside Portovenere’s ancient walls, the terraced gardens of nearby villas, and the pine trees lining Piazza Bastreri and the waterfront.
This project combines technology, landscape design, and respect for both monuments and nature.
Not only does the garden improve the hotel’s indoor comfort, but it also benefits the environment by promoting biodiversity, saving energy, and reducing the overall environmental impact.
What kinds of plants did you choose for the garden?
We selected native plants typical of the Mediterranean landscape. These plants are resistant to salt and sea air.
The goal was to create a garden that blends naturally with the local vegetation and small ecological niches in the area.
We chose plants like Artemisia, Valeriana, and Panicum virgatum. These offer a mix of colors, blooms, and textures that change with the seasons.
Each plant was chosen to create vibrant contrasts that shift with the winds and reflect the seasons and local culture.
Do you have a favorite plant in this garden?
What I love most about this garden is how all the plants come together to create a harmony of colors and textures.
One plant I find particularly special is Critmum maritimum, also known as sea fennel.
It’s a wonderfully fragrant plant that can grow in sandy and rocky areas. It’s often used in Mediterranean cooking and perfectly represents the connection between the garden and the sea.
What message does this garden aim to share with visitors?
The roof garden is not just a beautiful addition—it tells a story.
It’s a story about the connection to the local area, its scents, colors, and culture.
It’s a place where nature and history meet.
The garden invites guests to enjoy its beauty while reflecting on the importance of protecting our landscape, environment, and biodiversity.
About Virginia Neri
She was born in Sarzana, and now lives in Castelnuovo Magra, both in the province of La Spezia, in the hinterland of the Gulf of Poets. She attended the Faculty of Architecture in Florence and graduated with honors. Her thesis was about Restoration in Industrial Archaeology, a theme that was developed in subsequent scientific publications. She has been working as an architect since 2007, and collaborates with the University of Florence and its Restoration Course. In 2013 she presented her Masters’ dissertation on a contemporary project for the historic Malaspina Castle in Fosdinovo. Virginia Neri has worked with different architecture studios, and also takes care of green design and temporary installations.
Portovenere Spring Escape: stay between 3 and 24 April 2025 and save up to 17%.
Spring is the perfect season to admire the roof garden in full bloom!
Nestled in the breathtaking Gulf of Poets, Grand Hotel Portovenere invites you to experience a dreamy spring break surrounded by pastel sunsets, gentle sea breezes, and the timeless allure of the Italian Riviera.
Book directly on our official website to enjoy the following advantages included in the rate:
- A delicious buffet breakfast to start your day.
- Reserved parking in our private garage for your convenience.
- Complimentary WiFi.
- Access to the PressReader App for unlimited digital news and magazines.
The promotion is valid on Classic Rooms and Executive Rooms. Book on the official website.
