Tenuta Colombera

La Villa

Historic residence overlooking Gallinara Island offering a unique panorama

Nestled in a small and sunny valley between Albenga and Alassio, it was the ancient possession of the Gallinara isle monks with a beautiful dovecote tower.
In 1565 it was acquired by the Ferrero Marquises from Ventimiglia.
The restorative measures of the family were designed to create a vacation house and a farm designated to the cultivation of vineyards, olive trees and vegetable gardens.

Its typical Ligurian structure with defensive watchtowers shows a troubled past, marked by several pirate attacks. Scipione Ferrero, Luca Ferrero's son (ancient owner) was kidnapped by pirates and released on a ransom. After so many years of state of abandon and decline, the farm estate extends today on 5 hectares and has been involved in an important project of preservative restoration and recovery of the green areas (new vineyard plantations and dry stone walls renovation)

The ancient Roman street Iulia Augusta dominates Tenuta Colombera and enriches the property of historical and archeological value.

In the heart of a small valley between Albenga and Alassio, Tenuta Colombera develops on 5 partially terraced hectares, among vineyards, olive trees, carob trees, dry stone walls and lush Mediterranean scrub.
The ancient Roman street Iulia Augusta dominates Tenuta Colombera and enriches the property of historical and archeological value.
The sea front side offers a breathtaking panorama.

Vermentino and Granaccia vineyards

A wonderful vineyard in front of the Gallinara Isle.
Vermentino is cultivated closer to the sea and grapes are harvested 3 times: the first 2 for the classic line while two/three bunches are leaved to ripen on the grapevine, in order to concentrate the aromas for the Colombera Selection.

Cultivar Taggiasca Olive trees

On the traditional ligurian terracing, our olive trees produce the fine Cultivar Taggiasca extra virgin olive oil.

Vegetable Garden and truffle ground

A rich vegetable garden for the recipes of our restaurant and a sea view truffle ground.

The history of the villa

Colombera is a typical example of fortified Ligurian mansion with cylindrical hanging watchtowers.
The ancient owners needed to protect the property with this defensive system against the pirates attacks that afflicted the Riviera for years.

Possession of the Gallinara monks, then noble residence, Colombera has lived a troubled past, Its present look dates back to mid 1500 when the Ferrero Marquises from Ventimiglia bought the manor with the purpose to have a summer residence and a farm.
An ancient dovecot tower was incorporated in the building during the restoration works and new spaces for rural functions were built such as stables and olive oil mill (traditional oil tanks are still visible today in the room on the ground floor of the mansion).
Other remarkable features of the groundfloor: the small chapel and the impressive staircase leading to the main floor covered by a cross vault and typical 17th century cornices. .