Hotel Europa dates back to the eighteenth-century Palazzo Serra that provided hospitality to Pius VII in 1815 and Victor Emmanuel I in 1821.
In 1868 it was rented by Felice Casaccia to be renovated as a hotel. And so, in 1870, it became the clandestine refuge for Giuseppe Mazzini.

At the beginning of 20th century Rapallo offers its dazzling smile*

Purchased in 1877 by Angelo Prandoni, Palazzo Serra underwent extensive renovation and, in 1901, re-opened as the “Grand Hotel et Europe”, a first-class establishment with a lift, running water, central heating, dining rooms, billiard lounge, smoking room, library, transport service to the railway station and for trips, as well as a chapel for non-catholic services (considering the large number of German and English tourists).
During that period, it was the only 1st class hotel in Rapallo and the only one listed in international guides.

* * from “Da Rapallo con nostalgia”
edited by Comune di Rapallo – 1984
Postcards taken from Luigi Ferretto private collection