Palazzo Santa Croce

Property Description

Property Summary

Nestled on a hillside above the bay of Positano, Italy, Palazzo Santa Croce is a magnificent historic residence distinguished by its striking burgundy facade and an extraordinary layered history that spans several centuries. Originally built as a monastery, this exceptional villa evolved over time into a treasure trove of art, culture, and architectural beauty, enriched from the 18th century onwards by rare and precious objects brought from the Middle East and other corners of the world, a legacy of Positano's strategic position along the ancient trade routes of spices, silk, and imported goods. The merchants who passed through left not only works of art but also a profound blend of cultures and traditions from ancient civilizations, all of which remain visible in the villa's remarkable décor. From the early 20th century, Positano became a haven for artists, and one of the most notable residents of this villa was Edward Ghillausen, a member of the Bauhaus movement, the celebrated German artistic and philosophical school, who lived here with his wife until the year 2000. Their presence, and that of the artists and literary figures who visited them, added yet another layer of cultural depth to this already extraordinary property. Throughout every room and corridor, you will breathe art and culture in an atmosphere that is as intellectually stimulating as it is visually captivating. The villa accommodates guests across 4 suites and 1 single room, offering a level of comfort and refinement consistent with a 5-star luxury hotel. Included in the holiday experience are a daily butler and housekeeper service, continental breakfast, and a full suite of utilities. Wireless internet connectivity via Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring you remain connected while enjoying the timeless surroundings. The villa features an indoor heated pool with Jacuzzi, and the grounds include a garden adorned with orange and lemon trees and bougainvillea, offering a sensory immersion into the colors and fragrances of the Amalfi Coast.

Outdoors

The outdoor spaces of Palazzo Santa Croce are as remarkable as its interiors, offering a series of terraces and exterior areas that frame some of the most breathtaking views on the Amalfi Coast. From the main entrance, you step directly onto a grand terrace where the panorama of Positano and the sea unfolds before you in all its splendor. This terrace is elegantly furnished with ancient tiles depicting sacred scenes, terracotta vases of varying dimensions, and comfortable sofas that invite you to linger and absorb the scenery. The terrace connects through 3 separate entrances to the kitchen, the dining room, the lounge, and the staircase, making it the natural heart of the villa's communal life. On the lower floor, access is provided to a terrace with a solarium and an outdoor Jacuzzi, a perfect setting for relaxing in the open air while enjoying the warmth of the southern Italian sun. The first-floor suites each open onto private outdoor spaces: the first suite features 2 balconies and a terrace with a view of Positano's beach, while the second suite offers a terrace with a sea view and a view of the main Church. On the second floor, one of the junior suites includes a small private terrace with a sea view and a view of the garden, where the typical colors and fragrances of the Amalfi Coast are at their most vivid. The garden itself, visible from several rooms and terraces, is planted with orange and lemon trees and bougainvillea, creating a lush and fragrant outdoor environment that perfectly complements the villa's historic character.

Other Information

Access to Palazzo Santa Croce is made convenient by a public elevator that connects directly from the Amalfi Drive to the entrance of the property. This elevator operates from 8:00 am to 24:00 and allows guests to reach the doors of the palace within a few minutes. As the elevator is not managed by the villa management, any inconvenience related to its operation cannot be attributed to them. For those who prefer a more scenic approach, a 10-minute walk including 190 steps remains a charming alternative. The villa's interior spaces are rich in character and historical detail. The kitchen combines technology with antiquity, fitted with majolica and marble surfaces, a bread and pizza oven, and a large baroque pantry. The dining and relaxation area spans 2 rooms and is furnished with an antique wood table, monumental chairs, comfortable sofas, a library with a collection of antique books, and paintings. On the lower floor, an indoor heated pool with Jacuzzi and a fountain for cervical massage is covered with local tiles. A sauna, a steam room, 2 showers, and a space with a massage table are also available on this level. On the first floor, the 2 main suites feature decorated ceilings with a typical 18th-century character. The first suite includes a console with mirror, 2 columns flanking the bed, and numerous antique paintings. The second suite is distinguished by a spiritual furnishing style, a privileged altar, and paintings representing sacred scenes, with decorated ceilings and bathrooms finished in antique tiles. A corner with sofas and armchairs offers a moment of relaxation with views of Positano. On the second floor, the 2 junior suites are characterized by sloped ceilings with wooden beams, sober furnishings in light colors, and antique decorative objects. One junior suite features a wide window with an amazing sea view and a view of the town of Praiano, while the second faces Positano and the villa's garden. Also on the second floor is a single room with en suite bathroom, exquisitely furnished. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and heating, both of which are included in the rental price, along with gas and electricity. Services included in the stay are the butler and housekeeper service for 8 hours per day, continental breakfast, daily change of bed linen and bath towels, pool cleaning, final cleaning, and Wi-Fi. A welcome dinner is provided for stays of a minimum of 7 nights. Porter service includes 2 pieces of luggage per person on the day of arrival between 4 pm and 6 pm and on the day of departure between 8 am and 10 am. Services not included in the rental price are the private chef, telephone and fax, food and drinks, additional staff time, laundry service, baby-sitter, and parking, which is not available on site but may be arranged externally if available. A damage refundable deposit is required prior to check-in via pre-authorisation on a credit card, and upon arrival an additional deposit of 2,000 Euro is to be paid exclusively in cash to the manager or butler of the building to cover food, drinks, and other services not included in the contract. Any remaining balance will be reimbursed promptly at the end of the stay. A city tax applies from 1st April to 31st October at a rate of 2.50 Euro per person per day for guests aged 10 years and above. Check-in takes place on Saturdays between 16:00 and 20:00 during high season, and at 16:00 during low season, including weekdays. Check-out must be completed by 10:00 am in all seasons. Emergency assistance contact details are provided at check-in, and the team is available to offer suggestions and arrangements for excursions, boat tours, cooking experiences, and a wide range of other activities. The property holds the following registration codes: CIN IT065100B49LVR76BV and CIR 15065100EXT0336.

Distances and Attractions

Palazzo Santa Croce is ideally positioned to allow you to explore one of the most celebrated stretches of coastline in Italy with ease. Positano's town center is on site, placing you immediately within reach of its iconic Moorish architecture, the steep steps that descend toward the sea, and the vibrant atmosphere that has long attracted artists, musicians, and writers from around the world. The closest beach is just 500 meters away, and the 2 main beaches of Positano, Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo, are both within comfortable walking distance. Additional beaches along the coast are best reached by sea. The historic town of Amalfi lies 16 km away, while the ruins of Pompeii are 36 km from the property and the Herculaneum ruins are 50 km away, both offering extraordinary windows into the ancient world. The charming town of Praiano is visible from the villa's windows and terraces, adding to the scenic richness of the surroundings. For those wishing to explore the islands, daily ferry services connect Positano to Capri and Ischia. The nearest train station at Piano di Sorrento is 15 km away. Naples is 59 km from the property, with Naples Airport located 62 km away. Salerno Airport is 85 km away. For travelers arriving from further afield, Rome is 276 km from the villa, with Rome Fiumicino Airport situated 292 km away.

Interior Description

Unit Layout

Palazzo Santa Croce is a magnificent luxury vacation home nestled in Positano, designed to accommodate up to 10 guests across its elegantly appointed spaces. The property features 5 generously sized bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, each thoughtfully designed to reflect the refined character of this exceptional residence. The interior configuration is distributed across multiple floors, offering guests a harmonious blend of privacy and communal living. Each bedroom is carefully furnished to provide a restful and luxurious atmosphere, while the bathrooms are appointed with high-quality fixtures that complement the overall sophistication of the property. The layout ensures that every guest enjoys ample personal space while benefiting from the shared grandeur of the common areas, which are bathed in natural light and oriented to capture the magnificent sea views that define the Positano coastline.

Amenities Included

Palazzo Santa Croce is equipped with a comprehensive selection of amenities designed to ensure the highest standard of comfort throughout your stay. The property benefits from both air conditioning and heat available, ensuring a perfectly regulated indoor climate regardless of the season. The fully equipped kitchen features a dishwasher and a microwave, allowing for effortless meal preparation and cleanup. For outdoor entertaining, a barbecue is available within the private garden, which offers a serene and exclusive setting for alfresco dining and relaxation. Entertainment needs are fully catered for with a television and satellite TV, providing access to a wide range of international channels. Laundry requirements are met with a washing machine available on the premises. Among the most distinguished features of the property is the indoor private pool, which offers a truly exclusive aquatic experience, complemented by a jacuzzi bathtub that invites complete relaxation and indulgence.

Other Information

Palazzo Santa Croce is situated in Positano, one of the most celebrated destinations along the Amalfi Coast, renowned for its dramatic cliffside scenery and vibrant cultural heritage. The property enjoys a privileged position that affords breathtaking sea views, immersing guests in the natural beauty that has made this location iconic on an international scale. As a luxury vacation home of this calibre, the residence is ideally suited for those seeking an elevated holiday experience that combines architectural grandeur with the warmth and privacy of a private home. Guests are encouraged to contact the property management team directly for specific details regarding check-in and check-out procedures, house rules, parking availability, and any additional services that may be arranged to further enhance their stay.

Licence or registration number

CIN: IT065100B49LVR76BV / CIR: 15065100EXT0336

Amenities

•   Swimming Pool
•   Near Village
•   Internet
•   Internet Wifi
•   Restaurant Near
•   Maid Service
•   Yard
•   Breakfast
•   Fishing Near
•   Private Pool
•   Private Villa
•   Air Conditioning
•   Washing Machine
•   Barbecue
•   Dishwasher
•   Satellite TV
•   Private Garden
•   Jacuzzi Bathtub
•   Heat Available
•   Radio / Cd
•   Microwave
•   Television
•   Panoramic View

Location Positano, Campania, Italy

Availability

Reservation Policies

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Easy Reserve Limited operates as an internet editor and services provider for owners, property managers, agencies, tour operators and hotels; Easy Reserve Limited is not responsible for any direct or indirect damage, accident, theft or robbery caused to renters, their relatives or to their properties during their holiday, both in the rented property or elsewhere.