aj

I have been trying to research the history of the trompe l'oeil detail on many building in Rapallo. They are very beautiful and must have taken a lot of work but is there a reason or history to the painting? Thanks for the help?

viking

It's done to tart up many of the towns in the general vicinty of Portofino - increase the eye appeal, property values, rental values for restaurants etc.

Portofino sets a high standard, which other towns can approach by emulating it with a paintbrush. I thought Camogli to the north was one of the early adopters in a big way according to the better guidebooks. I saw a lot of such painting in progress in Lerici - it can really make plain buildings sparkle.

I don't remember Rapallo doing it that much - it had a drabber downmarket look when I last visited. I think Portovenere doesn't do it and looks a bit stodgy for that even though they paint adjoining properties in vibrant colors.