Vibia lights up the historic Palazzo Grillo in Genoa, now a hotel

Design from Spain is still winning over its Italian neighbours. Now, Vibia, one of the most innovative Spanish lighting companies, has enhanced a refined Genoese palace recently converted into a luxury hotel, combining the artistic past of its old walls and frescoes with state-of-the-art design.     

The Palazzo Grillo hotel is in the historic part of the Italian city of Genoa, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Built in 1545 by Domenico Grillo, Palazzo Grillo reflects the Genoese appreciation for art, architecture and culture. The building had been abandoned for centuries until, under the auspices of Le Nuvole group, it was completely restored. Since 2017, it is a luxury hotel which offers guests a unique experience, blending its glorious history with contemporary comfort and interior design.

The 25-room hotel is lit by a selection of contemporary lamps, including luminaires by Vibia, which fit the different spaces of this historic building perfectly. The reception counter features pendant lamps Wireflow Lineal, designed by Arik Levy, with a sculptural but practical illumination which sets the tone for a sophisticated marriage of the old and the new. The rooms have been fitted with a combination of table lamp I.Cono, designed by Lievore Altherr Molina, and the floor version from the Warm collection, created by Ramos & Bassols.

In the hotel library and communal areas, you’ll find North, by Arik Levy. The fine carbon-fibre structure of its shade provides a foil to the high ceilings and original frescoes painted by Italian artist Il Bergamasco. Finally, the loft dining room has Skan lights, created by Lievore Altherr Molina, which reflect the elegance of a rediscovered space where diners can glimpse spectacular views over Genoa’s historical bell towers.

Vibia has been making designer lighting since 1987, finding solutions for architecture, interior design and lighting professionals, drawing from an innovative portfolio of lights signed by renowned international designers. From its Barcelona base, it exports products to more than 80 countries and has a trading subsidiary in the USA.