Ancora imparo (Still, I Am Learning)

This year, Grand Hotel Miramare celebrates its 120th anniversary. We’ve distilled the past twelve decades into twelve principles that now guide our approach to life. Each principle is a lesson learned from each decade, with our fourth principle below covering 1933 to 1942. 

Between 1933 and 1942, Italy was under the rule of Benito Mussolini and he had a profound impact on the daily life of those in Santa Margherita Ligure.

The town experienced a period of growth and development, with new buildings and infrastructure installed. However, there were also strict controls on people's daily lives. The media was censored and public gatherings were restricted.

Despite this, agriculture and fishing remained important industries and the town continued to be a popular tourist destination for Italians and foreigners alike.

Most of the tourists who visited were wealthy Italians who were drawn to the town because of its natural beauty and mild climate. They would swim, bathe and boat. Just as they do today.

At Grand Hotel Miramare, the key event of this period happened in August 1933 when, for the first time ever, Guglielmo Marconi transmitted the first radiotelegraphy and radiotelephony signal to a distance of 150 kilometres right from our hotel terrace.

Grand Hotel Miramare became Marconi’s headquarters and he would stay in suite number 105, a suite that still carries his name today.

Marconi’s technological breakthrough, set against the backdrop of another decade of global trouble, is a symbol of Grand Hotel Miramare’s ability to constantly evolve around new trends, technologies and experiences.

Which leads us to our fourth life principle: ancora imparo. Or in English: still, I am learning.

After 120 years in operation, still we are learning.

We have seen fashions, movements and innovations come and go. We have had to adapt and change with the times. But we still hold that desire to learn new skills, bring back old favourites, and master fresh tricks.