Grand Hotel Cesenatico

Despite its ornate style and societal sophistication, the Grand Hotel Cesenatico’s origins are much more practical in nature — and credited to an intrepid industrialist. Celebrated for its elegance and prestige, the hotel has welcomed guests to its exclusive coastal confines along the Adriatic Sea since the early 19th century thanks to one surgical salesman.

Luigi Gaetano Ceschina held many interests and talents, but in 1907 at the ripe age of 28, he successfully invented an aseptic bandage and opened a factory to begin manufacturing his patented creation. With Europe on the brink of World War I, this proved to be a lucrative move, and the factory flourished.

In times of hardship, the enterprising Ceschina turned to real estate. By the time the War ended, he had purchased many buildings including Pauly & C – Compagnia Venezia Murano, a famed glass art factory. A few years later he began financing developments with the construction of a publishing house for his older brother before turning his sights to hospitality.

In 1928, the Grand Hotel Cesenatico was completed and soon began welcoming guests of high renown. Through the Second World War and years of political demonstrations, it remains a pristine emblem of Italian sophistication and hospitality. But in this instance, the stately structure wasn’t commissioned by a royal or member of nobility; instead, by a resourceful entrepreneur with a passion for helping others.