Why are some windows in Liguria painted onto building facades?

Who hasn’t found themselves in Liguria, catching sight, even from afar, of its stunningly colourful houses? A mesmerising display of hues and patterns stretches across the region, from Genoa to Camogli, Santa Margherita, and Portofino.

These colorful houses can also be found further west, in Loano, Sanremo, and Bordighera, picturesque buildings painted in every shade imaginable, from deep blues to soft pinks and fresh greens.

In the Cinque Terre, these colourful facades have become an unmistakable hallmark, drawing in visitors from around the world. But one question naturally arises: why do these brightly painted exteriors also feature painted windows?

Colourful facades and painted windows in Liguria: the reason behind them

This striking effect is achieved through the trompe-l’œil technique, which has long reimagined and continues to reinterpret the features of yellow, red, and pink houses.

However, it’s not just about aesthetics, there’s much more to it. The original purpose wasn’t decorative at all; it was, in fact, political.

The window tax in Liguria

To understand the origins of Liguria’s painted windows, we need to go back to the 18th century, when the powerful Republic of Genoa introduced a tax on windows. This levy primarily affected the wealthiest residents.

Since affluent homeowners tended to have more windows, they were subject to higher payments. In an effort to reduce costs, many opted to brick up any “excess” sea views or purchase homes with fewer openings.

This decision, however, did not significantly impact the aesthetic appeal of the buildings. In response, artists began painting facades to recreate the original windows or to add simple rectangular designs that blended seamlessly with the altered structures.

What we now admire, gazing upwards on warm Italian summer days, has its roots in this very practice. Even today, it can be difficult to distinguish between real and painted windows. Ligurian windows are not just a delight to the eye, they are a puzzle for the mind.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

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