Not only is it in the heart of Lecce, a stone’s throw from Basilica di Santa Croce and the Duomo, but its ancient walls resonate with family heritage. Dating back to 1775, they are dedicated to Enzo Fiermonte, a world-famous boxing champion and great-uncle of the current owners, siblings Antonia and Giacomo Filali. But it was their grandmother, Antonia Fiermonte (Enzo’s sister) who was by far the more spirited character and inspired what they call ‘the harmonious fusion between art and the pleasure of living’ in the Palazzo today, in part due to the family’s artist and celebrity friends.
Bespoke furniture sits alongside the family collection of Sottsass, Mackintosh, Le Corbusier and ‘Giò Ponti… and the Beatles suite on the top floor was created because her grandmother was a friend of Yoko Ono.
Antonia’s granddaughter (also Antonia) is often heard sharing anecdotes with guests as she walks from one elegant salon to another where the collection of art, sculpture and photography includes that of both of her grandmother’s husbands, French sculptor Jacques Zwobada and artist René Letourneur, as well as Fernand Léger (the Tate calls him a ‘forerunner of Pop Art’) and Charlotte Perriand.
French interior design company Charles-Philippe and Christophe masterminded the combination of beautiful pietra di Trani floors with the mix of furniture, art and Art Deco touches throughout the palatial suites.
Upstairs, on the elegant rooftop terrace with its plunge pool and views over Lecce’s many historical domes and facades, bells ring out as they have done for centuries.
Indoors, a Relaxarium, natural stone hydromassage pool and spa invite hours of indulgent treatments, especially in the heat of the day. And once the summer air cools, it’s time to explore the historic alleyways and their boutiques or have an aperitivo – even on a Sunday evening, the bars buzz till late. Best described as ‘theatrical’, the energy of Lecce is tangible, especially when its historical facades are lit up and its vibrant café lifestyle spills out onto the streets.
Next up for this family is the opening of Moroccan hideaway (you’ll be the first to hear) but you can already combine a stay in Lecce with their romantic two-bedroomed apartment in Paris. Watch this space…
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon