Villa Madre Cabrini

Villa Madre Cabrini is a five-story Gothic Revival structure standing at Via Acquarone 22 in Castelletto, with views over the Old City and the Gulf of Genoa. The main building contains private residences while an adjoining school building continues to operate educational programs from nursery through secondary levels.

The villa was built in 1894 as a suburban residence for the noble Acquarone family and initially served as a wealthy dwelling on the city's edge. In the early 1900s, the Missionary Sisters took over the property and began converting it into an educational institution.

The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus converted this former noble residence into a place dedicated to education. Today visitors can see how religious community life and schooling shape the daily rhythm of the property.

The location sits on a hillside in Castelletto offering views over the city, though the elevation means the approach involves some climbing but rewards with a quieter setting away from downtown. Keep in mind this is an active school property, so public access is limited to certain areas and times.

Pietro d'Acquarone, born in this villa in 1890, later became a Brigade General and played a part in Mussolini's removal from power in 1943. His rise from this house to significant military influence marks an unexpected connection between a residential villa and Italian wartime history.

Location: Genoa

Inception: 1894

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Floors above the ground: 5

GPS coordinates: 44.41626,8.93729

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:15