The story of Barberia Giacalone begins in 1908 when it was opened by Emanuele Giacalone to serve the bustling population of dockworkers and sailors in the port area. In the early decades of the 20th century, the profession of a barber was a highly respected one, and the barbershop was a vital social hub, a place for conversation and community. It was Emanuele’s son, Italo, however, who elevated the shop from a simple business to an artistic masterpiece. In 1922, he commissioned a complete interior renovation, transforming the space into a stunning example of the Art Deco style that was then in vogue.
The renovation of Barberia Giacalone was carried out by the local firm Vetreria Bottaro, which specialized in glasswork. The result was a dazzling interior that remains almost perfectly intact today. The shop remained in the Giacalone family for nearly a century until Italo’s death in the 1990s. Facing an uncertain future and the risk of closure, the shop was acquired and meticulously restored in 1992 by the Italian National Trust (FAI), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Italy’s heritage. The FAI’s intervention ensured that this unique piece of history would not be lost. It has since been entrusted to a new generation of barbers who continue the tradition of classic wet shaves and old-fashioned service.
An Interior Frozen in Time
Stepping into the Barberia Giacalone is like entering a forgotten cinematic world. The shop is no bigger than 10 square meters, but its small size is a part of its charm. The interior is a symphony of glass, mirrors, and vibrant colors that create a sense of spaciousness and opulence. The walls and ceilings are covered in intricate glass panels with geometric patterns and intersecting arches, featuring a dazzling color palette of emerald green, cobalt blue, and gold.
The light inside is almost dazzling, as it bounces off the various mirrors and polished surfaces, creating a captivating visual effect. The original white-tiled floors, oval mirrors, and classic porcelain washbasins are still in place, as are the original barber chairs that have welcomed generations of Genoese gentlemen. These chairs are a testament to the shop’s history, their worn leather and brass fixtures bearing the silent marks of countless customers. Even the original wall lamps and central chandeliers add to the atmosphere of the Belle Époque, an era of elegance and sophistication that seems to have been perfectly preserved within these walls.
A Modern-Day Cultural Landmark
The Barberia Giacalone is more than a historic site; it is a functioning business. While it draws in tourists from around the world who are captivated by its unique beauty, it continues to serve as a proper barbershop for the local community. The current barbers honor the shop’s heritage by offering traditional services, from classic haircuts to straight-razor shaves. This blend of preservation and practical use makes the shop a living part of Genoa’s cultural landscape.
Located in Vico Caprettari, a narrow, winding alleyway, the shop is easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it, which only adds to its mystique. Its luminous, glittering windows stand out starkly against the dark stone of the surrounding medieval buildings, inviting passersby to peer inside and take a step back in time. It’s a key stop for those interested in Genoa’s historic artisan shops, a network of businesses that have kept the city’s traditions alive for centuries.
The Barberia Giacalone stands as a magnificent example of a heritage site that has not only been saved from oblivion but has also been given a new lease on life, ensuring that its unique story and exquisite interior will be appreciated for generations to come.
Genoa Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour
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