Perfect Italian Weekend | Nardo

A Return to Roots and the Art of Slow Living

The Salentum Heritage Collection is more than a project—it’s a family’s journey back to their origins and a love letter to the land of Salento. Born from the desire to preserve and promote a precious family legacy, the collection was initiated by Mpar Srl, a small, family-run company with deep Italian roots.

The story begins with the meticulous restoration of two extraordinary properties: Relais il Mignano and Relais Monastero Santa Teresa in the historic heart of Nardò. Inspired by the beauty and soul of this Southern Italian town—with its rich tapestry of Baroque architecture, noble palaces, ancient towers, monumental gardens, and 23 kilometers of pristine coastline—the family made a life-changing decision. In 2017, they left Paris behind and embraced a slower, more soulful pace of life in Puglia.

“What will we do in a quiet town at the edge of the Salento peninsula?” they asked themselves. But as history has shown, Salento has always been a crossroads of culture—welcoming Greeks, Romans, Normans, Jews, Spaniards, and French alike. Hospitality is woven into the land, and it was only natural that this place would offer not just a home, but a purpose.

For Antonello Rizzello, it was a homecoming. For Celine Cazenave and their children, it was the beginning of a new Dolce Vita.

In 2018, they completed the restoration of Palazzo Manieri, a magnificent noble residence with a hidden garden where the family now lives. That same year, Antonello, together with other descendants of historic families, founded the Dimore Storiche Neretine Association to breathe new cultural life into these ancient homes through events and collaborations.

Since then, the Salentum Heritage Collection has continued to grow, expanding to nearby towns like Galatone, Galatina, and Copertino. Each restoration is a celebration of heritage, beauty, and the enduring charm of slow Italian living.

A Perfect Italian Weekend in Nardò—and Beyond

Saturday: Discovering Noble Secrets and Sunlit Shores

There’s something quietly majestic about Nardò. It’s not loud or showy like some of its better-known neighbours—but that’s its charm. Tucked away in the Salento region of Puglia, Nardò is an elegant, sun-kissed town that feels untouched by time. Its Baroque old town, carved from warm-toned carparo stone, whispers tales of nobility and craftsmanship. The pace is slow, the people warm, and the air, especially in the early mornings, carries the scent of jasmine, warm bread, and distant sea salt.

The perfect Italian weekend here begins with a slow stroll through the old town. Cobblestone streets weave between noble palaces with ornate balconies and colourful facades, while little courtyards echo with the sound of clinking cups and morning chatter. A stop at the central piazza is a must—with its towering obelisk, the Bishop’s Palace, and the Aragonese Castle offering a view into Nardò’s layered history.

As the sun climbs higher, it’s time to venture just beyond the town. Less than five kilometres away, a series of eclectic villas and noble summer residences lie hidden amongst lush gardens and old stone walls. Once the playgrounds of aristocrats escaping the city heat, these properties today are part of an enchanting walking or cycling route. Here, the air cools beneath the canopy of old trees, and time slows even more. Each villa has its own story—of parties, painters, poets—and exploring them feels like leafing through the pages of a forgotten novel.

By midday, the pull of the sea becomes irresistible. Just a short drive away, Porto Selvaggio awaits—a natural park where pine forests meet rocky cliffs and turquoise waters. The bravest dive from the rocks, and others spread picnic blankets under the trees. For those who prefer soft sand, Sant’Isidoro Beach offers golden serenity and a more leisurely swim.

The evening is best spent back in Nardò. Local trattorias serve orecchiette with garden-fresh tomatoes, fave e cicoria, and grilled seafood with lemon and olive oil—simple, soulful dishes that reflect the land. Perhaps there’s a local wine tasting in a cool, candle-lit cave beneath an old monastery like Santa Teresa, where stories are told between sips of Negroamaro and Primitivo.

Sunday: From Bicycles to Baroque and Soap Made by Hand

Sunday begins with the scent of rosemary and myrtle in the air. A gentle bike ride sets the tone, heading out through the countryside from Nardò to Galatone and on to Galatina. The path winds through olive groves, over old Roman roads, and past more historic residences, masserias, and chapels. The land here is kind—mostly flat and perfect for any rider. Along the way, Mediterranean herbs scent the breeze, and you might catch the song of cicadas as the sun peeks through the canopy.

Galatina offers a striking contrast to Nardò’s flamboyant Baroque. Here, the tones are quieter, more monochrome, but just as elegant. A stop for an espresso in one of the small squares is the perfect pause before heading back.

In the afternoon, it’s time to engage with the traditions of the land. Perhaps it’s a soap-making workshop using olive oil from the region, where you shape your own bar and leave with hands that smell of citrus and lavender. Or maybe it’s learning to cook—taking flour, water, and a handful of wild greens and turning them into something that nonnas have made for centuries.

For lovers of craft, a detour to Grottaglie is a must. It’s the pottery town of Puglia, and every corner of its historic center reveals colourful ceramic studios. You can even try your hand at the wheel—making your own bowl or plate as a memory of the weekend.

By sunset, return once more to a Masseria in the countryside—one with a vegetable garden, a river running through its grounds, and pines casting long shadows. Here, you relax with a glass of wine in hand, feet bare, and the cicadas playing their final notes for the day.

It’s not just a weekend. It’s a return to simplicity, beauty, and time well spent.

Salento’s hidden corners, its art and architecture, its olive oil and ocean breeze—all woven together in a perfect Italian weekend.