The List

Casa Maria Luigia
Casa Maria Luigia
Casa Maria Luigia

18

Casa Maria Luigia

Modena

The 50
  • Accolades
  • Lavazza Highest New Entry Award 2026

A home that became a hotel

The story: Casa Maria Luigia is more than a boutique hotel – it is an invitation into the creative world of Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore. Set within a restored 18th-century country estate surrounded by gardens, orchards and the rolling landscapes of Emilia-Romagna, this magical estate opened in 2019, blending the warmth of a private home with contemporary art, deeply personal hospitality, and one of Italy's most celebrated culinary visions.

On display: The property offers a rare opportunity to experience Bottura's universe beyond the restaurant. There is art in every single room. Rather than being displayed in a gallery, the collection is seamlessly woven into the everyday life of the hotel. Guests can explore works by Damien Hirst, Joseph Beuys, Tracey Emin, Barbara Kruger and Ai Weiwei, discover site-specific installations and browse the extensive vinyl collection in The Music Room.

On the menu: Unsurprisingly, at Casa Maria Luigia, cuisine is the heartbeat of the estate – an expression of Massimo and Lara's belief that food, culture and hospitality are inseparable. Across Francescana at Maria Luigia, Al Gatto Verde and Casa Lu, guests discover different expressions of the same philosophy: from the storytelling and refinement of Bottura's most iconic dishes to wood-fired cooking inspired by Emilia-Romagna's traditions. Led by chef Jessica Rosval, each experience celebrates memory, local producers and Italian craftsmanship.

Most important meal of the day: Every morning, an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind Emilian breakfast inspired by Bottura's childhood Christmas memories is served at Casa Lu, featuring insanely delicious gnocco fritto with mortadella, cotechino with zabaione and freshly baked focaccia. 

Behind the wheel: You'll almost certainly run into Bottura at some point – and when you do, he'll happily sweep you away on a tour through his breathtaking collection of supercars, a gleaming lineup that spans rare, special editions from Ferrari to Maserati and Lamborghini.

Key Information