My name is Elena Pesce, I’m 35, Conservation of Cultural Assets graduate and owner of Rattopennugo.

Do you want to know how it started and how I arrived here?

Well, the story begins almost 43 years ago…

The name “Rattopennugo” (in dialect means “bat”) was born right there: a friend of hers, a painter, came in for the first time and exclaimed: “It really looks like a bat cavern!”

The name “Rattopennugo” (in dialect means “bat”) was born right there: a friend of hers, a painter, came in for the first time and exclaimed: “It really looks like a bat cavern!”

Rattopennugo started as a prints and frames shop, but it has taken a different direction during the years, even including every kind of furnishing element and expanding to new services, such as restoration and evaluations.

Since 1976 Laura has managed her business with patience and wisdom, allowing me to help her, until I effectively took over the business.

When I was a little girl, I didn’t think about following in family’s footsteps. But antique trade has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember.When I wasn’t at school, while my friends were playing to the park, I was always in the store.It was very funny, especially during Christmas time: I liked to roam around the shop, talk to the clients, listen to their stories...and I still love it!

My parents travelled a lot around Italy and Europe, looking for new pieces to sell, and forcing me to follow them. I did not always want to, but I didn’t have any choice.At the time, I'd rather hang out at my house with my friends, in Genoa; today and with the eyes of experience, I had a chance of a rare opportunity, that very few other kids can tell: formative, fulfilling, that made me fall in love of my future job. I keep that memories in my heart with gratitude.

I realized it was my lifetime job when I closed my first sale: a kitchen table, to a lovely Genoese man. I was sweaty and trembling like a leaf, but I did it!