Palazzo Nianu

“When we first discovered the house, it was in a state of complete disrepair. But we immediately fell in love with its ground-floor space, its prime location, and the breathtaking views from the rooftop,” Alessandro and Georg recall. Thanks to their patient and meticulous restoration work, this 19th-century building—with its star-vaulted ceilings, columns, and rooftop overlooking the neighboring church dome—has been rejuvenated.

“As architects, our goal is to inspire others to rescue the many dilapidated buildings in Puglia. This project demonstrates that sometimes, doing the bare minimum is the right approach. The house emphasizes traditional Italian architecture, reimagined to meet the needs of the modern traveler.” The duo preserved everything they could—floors, lime-plastered walls—to maintain the building’s old-world charm.

Their work reflects the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, which finds beauty in imperfection, a concept we particularly admire. Here, the passage of time is celebrated rather than hidden, resulting in a home full of character, which it already had in abundance.

Once the renovation was complete and the heritage of this beautiful building preserved, it was time to furnish it. The decor? Elegant yet relaxed, embracing the concept of warm minimalism, with a blend of vintage and contemporary pieces, some of which were designed by Alessandro and Georg themselves.

For the bed linens, the hosts collaborated with a local sewing workshop. Each bed is outfitted with two feather pillows—one soft, one firm—so guests can wake up to the sound of birdsong, church bells, and the scent of the neighboring orange grove, perfectly rested.

The thoughtful layout ensures there’s plenty of space for everyone, allowing for peaceful, lazy moments—whether lounging on a sunbed or relaxing in one of the vaulted-ceiling rooms—before gathering for lively meals on the terrace with its sweeping views of the town. What’s on the menu? Local delights like focaccia, burrata, and orecchiette. The evening wraps up with a *passeggiata*, a leisurely stroll through the town center of Salento, perhaps ending with a midnight gelato.

“Puglia is also a lovely destination in the off-season, when everything is calm and you can feel the melancholy of the place.” Whether in summer or winter, there’s always a good reason to spend a holiday here, starting with Neviano, a charming town in southern Puglia where Palazzo Nianu is nestled. What’s on the agenda? Savoring an espresso on the terrace with the locals and wandering through the quaint streets of this well-preserved village.

Next, head to the bustling city of Lecce, often referred to as the ‘Baroque Florence’ or *città chiesa* (city of churches), with over 23 in the city center alone. The city’s baroque architecture is sure to dazzle, from the Cattedrale di Lecce to the Basilica di Santa Croce. Don’t miss the Roman column of Sant’Oronzo. For a bite to eat, the hosts recommend Doppiozero, a local favorite where you can enjoy delicious pasta paired with a glass of regional wine while mingling with the regulars.

Just thirty minutes away, the vibe changes as you breathe in the sea air of Gallipoli, a coastal town with a historic center situated on an island just off the mainland. Enjoy lunch at Osteria Briganti, followed by a beach session or a stroll along the coast. After these culinary and touristy adventures, it’s time to head back to Palazzo Nianu—and perhaps continue the evening on the rooftop.