Little Gem No. 103 | Marquis Sauli Scassi

A fifteenth-century residence, tucked away in the historic heart of Genoa, Dimora Almayer is one of those rare places where time seems to pause. Once the noble palace of the Marquis Sauli Scassi, this 15th-century residence has lived many lives — and today, thanks to Elena and Fanny, it welcomes guests into its frescoed halls and gentle light with all the warmth of a home.

Elena and Fanny, two friends brought together by a shared passion for Genoa’s hidden beauty, discovered the apartment in 2021. Before them, it was the atelier of painter Roberto Mangù Quesada, whose traces still linger — faint paint strokes on the floor, the soft hum of creativity in the air. Together, they transformed the space into something between a private home and a storybook — one where art, history, and simplicity coexist with grace.

The Space

Step inside and you are immediately wrapped in history. Frescoed ceilings bloom with flowers and angels painted over five centuries ago, while tall windows open toward the baroque façade of San Siro Church, once Genoa’s main cathedral.

The apartment spans 150 square meters, offering a generous living room, a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms — all designed with understated elegance. The décor feels collected rather than styled: antique market finds, inherited pieces, and little treasures from Genoese flea markets come together to create an atmosphere that’s both grand and intimate.

Every detail — a chipped ceramic plate, a brass lamp, a linen curtain — seems to whisper of old Italy. Yet the apartment feels entirely alive, comfortable, and effortlessly charming.

The Bedrooms

There are two spacious bedrooms, each with its own quiet personality.
The master bedroom rests beneath frescoes that seem to dance with light, a place that feels more like a secret sanctuary than a sleeping space.
The second bedroom, equally serene, looks out toward the church steps — a view that connects you to the rhythm of Genoa’s old streets.

Despite the historic setting, the atmosphere is relaxed and lived-in. It’s the kind of place where you wake up slowly, open the shutters, and watch the city stretch into the day.

Location — Genoa, City of Travellers

Dimora Almayer sits in the heart of Genoa’s old town, among its caruggi — the narrow, winding streets where scents, voices, and stories from centuries mingle. From here, everything is within walking distance: Via Garibaldi, Piazza De Ferrari, the Porto Antico, and the Aquarium are all just a stroll away.

Genoa itself is a city of contrasts — medieval and maritime, proud and poetic. Once one of the most powerful republics of the Mediterranean, it still holds its nickname La Superba, the Proud One. Today, its spirit lives on in the Rolli Palaces, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in the quiet corners where the sea breeze carries the smell of focaccia and salt.

From the port, boats leave daily for Camogli, Portofino, San Fruttuoso, and the Cinque Terre — perfect day trips that reveal the Ligurian coast in all its splendour.

Why We Love It

Because it feels like living inside a painting.
Because you wake up beneath 15th-century frescoes and go to sleep with the soft hum of the city outside.
Because Elena and Fanny’s care can be felt in every corner — from the antique cups in the kitchen to the handwritten notes left for guests.

Dimora Almayer is not a polished hotel experience; it’s an encounter with Genoa itself — layered, elegant, and deeply authentic. It’s a place for dreamers, art lovers, and travellers who prefer stories over souvenirs.

Price Indication

Prices start from