Villa Pagana, Noble residence in San Michele di Pagana, Italy
Villa Pagana is a two-story noble residence located on the Punta Pagana peninsula in Rapallo, with direct views toward the Ligurian coast. The property features a private park that slopes down to the seashore, creating a natural buffer between the house and the water.
The Orero family built this residence during the 1600s, and it changed hands to the Cattaneo family in the following century. Since 1959, it has served as the official residence of an important European religious and military order.
The residence attracted members of European royalty during the 1800s who sought retreats along the Ligurian coast. This royal connection shaped how the building is perceived locally, even though the public cannot normally enter.
The property is not open to the general public since it functions as a private official residence. The building and its seaside setting can be appreciated from the nearby coastal pathways or from the water.
A 17th-century fort called Castello di Punta Pagana stands on the property, built by the Republic of Genoa for coastal defense. This fortified structure reveals how strategically important this location was for protecting the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.