Looking for a real spoil within the ancient walls of Lecce? Curiously, some of the best and most romantic finds in the ‘Florence of the South’ as Lecce is known, are those with no name on the door… but we can assure you that Palazzo Bozzi Corso’s discreet welcome is worth seeking out. 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…
What we love!
- Exhibitions at the MAMA museum (Antonia Modern Art Museum) and walking tours organised by the concierge team (also ask about private Palazzo gardens and organising a cruise).
- Bozzi Corso’s open-plan traditional kitchen serves Puglian breakfasts, and they often organise gourmet candlelit evenings held in the courtyard – wonderful if you’re celebrating with a milestone birthday or occasion with friends. You can also book a private dinner in the MAMA museum.
- Cycling around Lecce on rental guest bicycles.
- That the Adriatic beaches are only half an hour’s drive. Take a slow cruise if you have time.
What you need to know …
- In Lecce, you’re generally allowed to drive to the hotel and offload your luggage, but you then need to park outside the city walls. Bozzi Corso is of the few that offers valet parking.
- Travel out of season! We cannot tell you how much of a difference it makes.
- Three nights here is best so that you don’t rush Lecce.
- Please speak to us directly about combining other destinations and properties within the area for your travel itinerary.
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon