Little Gem No. 028 | * A Monastery in Puglia
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Prices from €90
After years of studying and working around the world, Antonello Rizzello, a young entrepreneur, decides to come back to his “sleeping beauty: Nardò”. An art city, rich in palaces, towers, eclectic villas, castles, masserias, monumental gardens, and natural parks, and close to the coast with crystal clear water. It is a real melting pot of Greek, Roman, Norman, Spanish, and French dominations.
He decides to restore three monumental palaces, to open them to experience the culture of Puglia and to share the “beauty” with the curious traveler.
Guests stay in splendid rooms, rich in history, once inhabited by numerous eminent figures of the aristocracy of the Kingdom of Naples, of the Two Sicilies, and of the ecclesiastical world.
Additionally, there is a small restaurant with a panoramic view from the terraces of the palace. There are also temporary and permanent art exhibitions in the majestic halls of the Monastery, dominated by the sculptures created by Giovanni Maria Tarantino. Then there are the large frescoed halls, where one can lose oneself in reading an interesting book from the international library. From there you can also access the garden with the citrus grove and the private pool.
They also organize many cultural events and guided tours among noble palaces, castles, gentility and eclectic villas, masseria, and secret gardens.
In short, a beautiful place and a unique experience, that came together through passion and a need to share the beautiful things in life!
Nardò
Nardò — it’s one of those places that feels completely untouched by time, but full of life. The baroque architecture is softer than Lecce’s, more lived-in, with crumbling facades and faded grandeur that only add to the charm. There’s no pretence, no crowds — just quiet piazzas where locals gather, the smell of coffee drifting from old cafés, and the warm, golden light that makes everything feel a bit cinematic. It’s close to the sea, but not overrun like the coastal towns, and it has this grounded, soulful energy. You come here not just to see it, but to feel it — the history, the rhythm, the real Salento.
Monastero Santa Teresa is part of the Salentum Heritage Collection: Restoring time in Salento
Price Indication:
20 Rooms:
The rooms and apartments are located in several historic buildings in town, including the monastery,
prices from €90 - 180 depending on the size of the room/apartment
3 Deluxe rooms with pool and garden
2 Flats with kitchen
12 Suites
3 Standard rooms