AUTHENTIC PUGLIA - PALAZZO DANIELE
This is the first feature of a mini-series of Apulian boutique hotels carefully selected by My Apulian Way’s founder, Daniele Zecca.
My Apulian Way is the bible of the new Apulian experience that provides value and support to local tourism in Puglia and to all the actors involved.
Daniele and his team aim to give a higher voice to selected and charming hidden realities that allow their community to fully experience the most typical Apulian Dolce Vita and the authenticity of the territory.
In preparation of the spring and summer season, who better than My Apulian Way to give us his view on authentic stays?
Keep reading to explore our first featured property!
Puglia is the charming heel of the Italian boot and it’s a flagship for its excellent food, historic architecture, breathtaking coastline, long beaches and timeless customs. Only the most conscious travellers know that this is a must-visit for those seeking a unique and authentic experience away from the mainstream.
Puglia offers its greatest splendour in spring, early summer and autumn. Although it would not be wrong to visit this region throughout the year to capture its various aspects, the best time is between June and July, when temperatures reach about 27°C and the sun always shines so you can enjoy the beautiful beaches not too crowded, take a bike ride in the countryside, and benefit from lower prices than in August.
There are two airports in the region of Puglia. To the North, there is Bari Airport, while further south, much closer to the Salento area, there is Brindisi Airport. There are then several trains that connect the other Italian regions to the main Apulian cities from Foggia to Lecce. Once arrived, the ideal way to move around is to rent a car so that you can better organize your days and move from the Ionian to the Adriatic coast without any problem and in a short time. The roads connecting Puglia's main cities are pretty good so renting a car for your trips gives you the flexibility to explore the region at your own rhythm and on a schedule that fits you.
This region is home to towns such as Lecce, Ostuni, Fasano, Ceglie Messapica, Cisternino, Alberobello, Otranto, very attractive for being full of old farms converted into hotels where you can live a unique experiences close to the roots but with a new and innovative spirit.
On the very tip of the heel of Italy, located in Salento, stands the small town of Gagliano del Capo, where Palazzo Daniele is located - a guest house with 9 suites and an aristocratic palace built in 1861. Now Palazzo Daniele is an art-house that hosts artists from all over the world. Each of the nine suites represents a timeless experience where contemporary art, 150 years of history and design coexist with monastic and minimalist furnishings, bare walls and frescoed ceilings.
Design/architecture
Minimalism meets majesty at Palazzo Daniele, where the monastic decor exaggerates the grandeur of the ceiling frescoes and stand-alone art and design pieces. Remodelled by Milan-based duo Ludovica + Roberto Palomba, the building was stripped back as much as possible, restoring historic elements such as ornate frescoes and mosaic flooring to create space for a contemporary art collection around the property. Monastic furnishings and bare walls reinforce the ceilings with 19th-century frescoes. Each room has a different piece of artwork. Antique family portraits alternate with contemporary artwork. Artwork and minimalist design furniture are combined in all rooms to give you contrasting and beautiful sensations in order to live a new experience impossible to find elsewhere.
Cuisine
The casual atmosphere of the kitchen and the view of the pool make it a primary gathering place for guests. The large kitchen is a place where guests can sit, eat, drink and chat with Chef Donata as she cooks fresh produce selected from local farmers on a daily basis and is available for guests to prepare dedicated menus. Here you can experience all your best moments of the day, from breakfast served in the inner courtyard, to lunch and dinner by the pool.
Fresh produce, simple traditional dishes but with a refined taste and for every palate.
Experiences
You'll enjoy the authentic Apulian cuisine with the cooking classes from Donata, Palazzo Daniele's chef, who will let you immerse in the tradition of fresh Apulian “orecchiette” and more, discovering the secrets of this region. In addition, Palazzo Daniele offers the opportunity to take a trip back to the '60s to discover the unknown Salento and its hidden gems, with the legendary vintage cars of the '60s and '70s. Many other experiences are planned for sports and adventure lovers, such as kitesurfing and windsurfing, climbing, trekking and horse riding .
