Antico Palazzo Croce is located in an excellent position to enjoy the beauty of Positano and the services that the “pearl of the coast” offers.
It is located near the center (reachable on foot in about 10 minutes) while at the same time, far from the tourist frenzy.
The beautiful baroque palace is laid out in the classic 17th century scheme over four floors. A central staircase descends from the “noble” entry floor level, to the Relax area (level -1) or up to the suites and rooms of the upper floors (levels 1 and 2).
The front facade overlooks panoramic terraces and balconies.
Two side wings complete the terrace on the main floor giving the building a C-shape projected towards the sea that ensures maximum privacy.
The Palace has no driveway but can be reached with 190 steps uphill.
By purchasing the “Il San Pietro” package, you can arrive or depart from the hotel’s private dock.
The date 1716 is carved in stone at the entrance to the Antico Palazzo Croce, the year in which the palace became a bishop’s residence. Its foundation dates further back to the second half of the 17th century and the original project perfectly took into account the aesthetic canons of the time, inside as well as outside.
Its history as a religious residence is evoked in the spiritualized style of the structure and furnishings, as well as numerous detailed paintings of the battle of Lepanto, pride of the Holy League).
The precious interiors (rich in stuccos, vaults, marble, lacquered doors and other ornaments) and above all the elegant façade overlooking Positano with statues, loggia and panoramic terraces and balconies are reminiscent of the Baroque style of that era.
Today, these characteristics give it a strong and distinguishing character in the town, as does its striking Pompeii red colour, greatly in vogue in the 18th century.
The Palace is located in the Li Parlati district of Positano where numerous other sumptuous villas were built, causing locals to call this zone “‘a via re case longhe”, or “the road of long houses” because of the large palaces that stood out in contrast to the more common houses of the time.
In 1926, Eduard Gillhausen came to Positano to cure himself of a post-WW1 nervous breakdown he had suffered. A German from Hattingen and exponent of the art and design school called Bauhaus, he arrived with his lover Hedwig to start a new life.
They seemed to come out most especially at night; it is said that he could only be met from sunset onwards, likely linked to his studies in astronomy and a passion for stargazing).
Don Eduardo, as the locals called him, settled in the Palazzo, in love with the wonderful view, the peace of the place and with Eva Maria (in the meantime, she too had changed names).
Together they would host great icons of twentieth-century culture like Pablo Picasso, John Steinbeck, Alberto Moravia and many others.
In 2003, the Palazzo passed to new owners who, over the course of four years, subjected the structure to a skillful restoration returning the villa to its original splendor.
Antico Palazzo Croce is spread over 5 levels, 4 of which are residential and 1 for service use. A shaded garden of lemon, orange and grapefruit trees stretches along the top level.
LEVEL – 1
A relax area can be found on the bottom level, that includes a pool with a swimming current, a massage room in the ancient Palatine chapel, a steam room and sauna and a panoramic terrace with sunbeds and a jacuzzi decorated in majolica tiles.
LEVEL 0
Rich in architectural details, the “noble” floor with the main entrance opens onto a wonderful panoramic terrace furnished
with lounge chairs and a large table for outdoor dining.
The kitchen
The arcadian, antique kitchen hides high end, modern appliances tucked in between the stone archways, marble sinks. and fireplace. The enormous wooden cabinet dates back to the Baroque period, and the two bread and pizza ovens are built directly into the thick stone walls decorated with antique majolica tiles.
The Sitting Room
The living and dining room is divided into two separate areas; a dining area with a Tuscan oak dining table encircled by a bookshelf, Neapolitan Rococo mirrors, and a collection of antique paintings. A special feature of the living room is its enormous double fireplace with hearthside benches inside the first stone frame.
Relax area
Downstairs, the Salus Per Aquam area has an indoor pool lined with traditional Amalfi Coast majolica tiles and includes massage jets on the walls and seat, a massage waterfall, and a swimming current.
The traditional calidarium and frigidarium from ancient Roman baths have been replaced by a sauna and Turkish bath. The treatment, massage and relaxation area, and direct access to an outdoor terrace with its sundeck and jacuzzi, complete the only private villa spa in Positano.
LEVEL 1
The first level reveals two elegant and spacious master suites with carefully restored original decorative details.
The two suites on the Upper Floor are decorated with carefully restored painted ceilings and frescoed walls. One is dedicated to Alfonso of Aragon and the 17th century decor centers around the ornate antique furniture and mirror, with paintings depicting seascapes. The other suite is dedicated to Queen Isabella, wife of Alfonso. Its private altar, starry ceiling and paintings featuring sacred scenes, lend the room a spiritual air.
The Attic Floor
The attic floor with two double rooms tucked under thick wooden eaves are decorated in a soft, understated style. The villa’s grand staircase, with its colorful stucco decorations, statues and vases tucked into niches, is a central element running through the villa. This floor opens onto the gardens behind the palazzo.
AMENITIES
WELCOME DINNER
CONDITIONS
1. Dinner can be enjoyed at the Palazzo or the Carlino restaurant at the San Pietro.
2. Drinks not included
3. Supplement required for external guests (max. 9 people in total, including residents).
4.The customer must communicate to the manager at least 1 day before if they expect external guests, otherwise the manager is not responsible for insufficient food.
STAFF
A complimentary welcome dinner for resident guests;
ideal for relaxing on the evening of arrival and immediately savoring the excellent hospitality of Antico Palazzo Croce.
– private chef and manager/butler (8 hours a day) – housekeeper (8 hours a day, 8:30am to 4:30pm).
CONDITIONS
1. A private chef and butler are available 8 hours a day, to be notified at least the day before.
2. Extra time over the 8 hours will cost an additional 35 Euro / hour per person.
COOKING CLASS .
A LITTLE MORE
A 2-hour cooking class with the Chef;
a special occasion to learn techniques and secrets of the local cuisine.
– continental breakfast
– daily change of sheets and bath towels.
INCLUDED
– chef, butler and housekeeper (8 hours/day)*
– Continental breakfast
– heating, gas, air conditioning and electricity
– daily change of linen
– pool cleaning
– final cleaning
– Wifi
Services NOT included:
– telephone/fax
– Food and beverages
– extra time for staff: €35/hour/person
– laundry service, €25/hour and per load
– babysitter
* In compliance with Italian laws, the manager is authorized to serve food and drinks only for resident guests (max 9 people).
Therefore, for more than 9 people, the catering is always external, on request and for a fee.
Outside the time / date of an event,
the presence of more than 9 people (including resident guests) is considered an additional event and charged as extra.
SURFACE
IInterior 687 m2 / 7,395 ft2 Terraces and balconies 140 m2 / 1,507 ft2
Garden 400 m2 / 4,305 ft2
ACCOMMODATION
2 Master suites – 2 double bedrooms – 1 single bedroom 7 bathrooms
POOLS
Indoor pool 8×3 meters (depth 1.20-1.94 meters) Outdoor Jacuzzi 4.25 x 1.10 meters
CAPACITY
Resident guests: max 9 pax
Hall 8-10 pax – Dining room 8/12 pax – Events 25/30 pax
CHILDREN Admitted
PETS
Allowed by prior arrangement
SMOOKING AREA
It is possible to smoke only in the outdoor areas
COMFORT AND SERVICES
Minibar in the room / Safe deposit box in the room Dedicated courtesy line
Wi-Fi
We remind you that the villa cannot be reached by car but only on foot via a path of 190 uphill steps which is not recommended for people with disabilities, with reduced mobility or who suffer from heart/respiratory pathologies.
It is hard to find a place more romantic than Positano.
Colorful houses tumbling down the cliffside to the water below, the sea breeze sweet with the scent of citrus blossoms and jasmine.
Endless blue in the azure sky above and the turquoise sea below. Let yourself fall in love with Positano!
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