The city of Lecce is undergoing significant change; much like its neighboring cities in Puglia, foreign investment, urban development, and luxury tourism are drawing in visitors and driving a serial revival of historic palazzos into meticulously-designed boutique hotels.

Palazzo Bozzi Corso is the second masterpiece by a brother-sister duo Antonia Filali and Giacomo Fouad, and the love they’re poured into this architectural marvel provides good insight into the future of luxury hospitality in Lecce that’s about to put Puglia on the map.

The Palazzo

The Baroque architecture is hard to ignore; one look at this building and you can feel the presence of something and someone important. It should surely be the private residence of a noble family, with its imposing green doors and nameless gold intercom. Located in the historic center of Lecce, just two minutes from the famous Basilica of Santa Croce and the Jewish Museum, the palazzo was built in 1775, supposedly on the grounds of a 16th-century building. Indeed, it belonged to a noble family from Sardegna. While the palazzo underwent restoration over the course of three centuries, there remains a perfect balance of lines and proportions. The boutique hotel is set on the palace’s two floors and features 10 suites (some with private terraces), a private garden, bar, and restaurant.

Around the Palazzo

Beyond the candle-lit courtyard, the ground floor houses a modest reception desk, an honesty bar, an in-house chef’s kitchen, and down a wooden-clad hall is the charming secret garden. The grand, green-carpeted staircase leads to the first floor with a cocktail bar and lounge & library room, as well as the guest suites. Each suite is named after members of the Fiermontina-Filali family and close friends, the most famous of which is the John & Yoko Suite, who was a friend of the siblings’ mother.

Interiors

While there are only ten suites, there are three categories to choose from, each of which offers a variety of luxury amenities and unique features. These include Classic Rooms, Aristocratic Suites, and Wellness Suites that are equipped with double hydromassage showers or a private sauna. Interiors are reminiscent of grand Parisian residences where the designers have infused timeless classic pieces with contemporary elements, all balanced with surprising color schemes to create a sexy, urban hideout that is refined and sophisticated. Furniture and accents have been handpicked and come from the ateliers of Le Corbusier, Gio Ponti and Carlo Scarpa. Expect grand spaces, high ceilings, and eclectic design pieces; ensuite amenities include luxury toiletries, bedding, bathrobes, and Nespresso coffee machines, and an in-room service bar. Some of the rooms open onto sublime terraces with sunbeds and private outdoor dining options – perfect for in-room breakfast (Tip: Book the Lady Astor Suite).

Services include unpack & repack luggage, daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner (on request, at additional cost), concierge desk with tour guides and unique itineraries, honesty bar with open soft drinks, coffee, alcoholic beverages, and snacks.

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