Bordighera, renowned for its mild climate and enchanting Mediterranean vegetation, hosted European nobility and elite in the past, including Queen Margherita of Savoy (1851-1926). This affectionate mistress of the Riviera came to Bordighera for the first time in 1879 and initially stayed at the Cap Hotel, before being a guest at Villa Bischoffsheim, one of the most prestigious residences in the area.
Villa Bischoffsheim, owned by the German banker Rafael Bischoffsheim, was a meeting place for illustrious personalities of the time, including the famous chemist Louis Pasteur. After its acquisition by an English family, the villa changed its name to Villa Etelinda. Eventually, this mansion also came into the possession of Queen Margaret, who fell in love with it so much that she turned it into her own private residence.
In 1914, the queen chose to commission a new residence, larger and located in an elevated area of Bordighera. Villa Margherita, designed by architect Luigi Broggi, is a masterpiece of the Neo-Baroque style and a tribute to the queen’s refinement and aesthetic taste. Officially inaugurated on 25 February 1916, Villa Margherita became the official residence of Margaret of Savoy during the winter season, allowing her to enjoy the beauty of the Ligurian coast in a context of unparalleled elegance.
The stories of Villa Etelinda and Villa Margherita represent the charm of Bordighera, which today invites visitors and history enthusiasts to discover an authentic side of the Riviera, full of memory and tradition.
Photo Credits: VisitBordighera
