N° 053 | Connecting People & Culture
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Inspired by the ancient language made of Arab, Sicilian, Turkish, Genoese, Catalan, and Venetian words which were used to connect different peoples in the Mediterranean ports and markets over many centuries, This house (casa) is also a place for connecting people and cultures. The Casa is a stylish early 1900s apartment that opens out onto the colors and scents of the historic market of the island of Ortigia. Its balconies, facing the blue of the lonian Sea, are a privileged viewpoint to capture the lively atmosphere of the counters of fish, fruit, and vegetables, offering the emotion of an authentic and vibrant Sicily.
Luca Giannini is an Italian artist and founder of this stunning appartment. He is passionate about this project he started in 2017; to give new life to abandoned places, to listen to their souls, and intervene with respect and balance. To harmonize bio-architecture, design, and contemporary art with original features and local materials. It is more than a project, it is a vision Lucca has been pursuing his entire life. The soul of the place The renovation of this home was like a process of subtraction that was undertaken after discovering, almost by chance, the traces of the original 1900s decorated plaster under the most recent wall paintings. Bringing them back to the surface was like, in a sculpture, cutting away the parts of the material that hide the soul of the work. In this way, new life was given to the essence of this place, immersed in the colors of the South. As a nude in its real skin, undressed by its unnatural clothes, this home, now made light and free again, appropriates itself again of its identity to accept harmoniously the new contemporary features. Art and traveling share the value of discovering beauty.
The Space
In the interior of the Casa, the charm of the original features - dating back to the beginning of the 20th century - such as the old floor tiles, the decorated plaster of the walls, and the high vaulted ceilings throughout, combines with the contemporary style evoked by designer lighting, micro cement finishes, and handcrafted bespoke furniture, which create a sophisticated and peaceful harmony in contrast with the vitality of the market in street below.
At the entrance, characterized by the minimalist touch of the polished concrete floor, there is a living area and an eye-catching wine cellar with ancient *maiolica. From here, you enter the kitchen, the heart of the house, with a fully equipped steel island that invites you to cook produce fresh from the stalls from the market below. The light enters through the large windows from the balconies and enhances the original floor tiles and the ancient decorated walls rediscovered under the most recent plasters, in gray, pink, red, and blue tones that recall the lively chromaticism of the market.
The two bedrooms boast designer floor lamps, an artisanal bedspread coming from the antique markets of Modica, and handcrafted bedside tables and hangers made of iron and wood. The master bedroom, with an en-suite bathroom and "pece" black stone washbasin, features a decorated ceiling and a king-size bed with a sea view. Both bathrooms are embellished with vintage chandeliers, stone details, and hand-made wall decors created with old lace doilies.
*Maiolicas, also known as Sicilian majolica or Sicilian ceramics, refer to traditional pottery and ceramic artworks produced in Sicily. Maiolica is a term used to describe tin-glazed earthenware, and it has a long history in Sicily dating back to the medieval period. Sicilian maiolicas are characterized by their vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and decorative motifs influenced by various cultures, including Arabic, Norman, Spanish, and Italian.
Sustainability
At Plinius we are always impressed when a renovation has been completed in the most sustainable manner, we therefore would like to share the details of what is implemented in this property. 100% electric supply from renewable sources, solar thermal panels, clay and lime floors and wall coatings, cork insulated roof, Domodry@ rising damp control system, eco paints, integrated air conditioning and water heating system with heat pump, led-lighting, water flow reducers, separate waste collection, Ecolabel refill soap, and shampoo
Art
We are equally impressed by the artworks showcased inside the property by Luca Giannini. The great thing is that the artworks are available to buy! Check out the art here.
The Surroundings
Ortygia, located in Syracuse, Sicily, is a captivating island that effortlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Steeped in ancient mythology and boasting a rich historical heritage, Ortygia is a true gem of the Mediterranean. Its narrow winding streets are lined with elegant baroque buildings, charming cafes, picturesque squares, quaint shops, and the vibrant market right in front of the apartment offering fresh local produce, Ortygia is a captivating destination with timeless charm. Live like a local and soak in the warm Sicilian ambiance.
Ortygia is home to the Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater spring located near the sea. What makes it fascinating is that it is believed to be the only place in the world where papyrus plants grow in the wild outside of their natural habitat in Egypt. The papyrus plants, with their tall reed-like, stems and characteristic umbrella-shaped tops, add a unique touch to the picturesque landscape of Ortygia. This natural phenomenon has intrigued visitors and locals alike, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary biodiversity and ecological wonders found on the island.
Extra Services
Private chef, breakfast service, massages, private tours, wine tasting, cooking class, chocolate tasting, electrical bike rentals, transfers, and chauffeur. A special Sicilian cuisine with the chef who will accompany you to shop at the market to discover traditional flavors.
Plinius Loves
The whole concept speaks to us greatly: “to give new life to abandoned places, to listen to their souls, and intervene with respect and balance. To harmonize bio-architecture, design, and contemporary art with original features and local materials”.
The artworks showcased inside the property by Italian artist Luca Giannini: Check out the art here.
Everything that has been done to create a sustainable building as well as a sustainable rental business. It is very impressive!
Live like a local! It might just be for a week, but you really feel you are living here. The most authentic Sicilian experience.
The vibrant, ancient market is a real gem, and it's right on your doorstep!
Nearest Airport
Catania Fontanarossa (67 km)
Contact: Do you have any questions, or if you like to combine other destinations and properties within the area for your travel itinerary? Please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@plinius.homes
Prices 2025 | Price transparency: Plinius is completely transparent about the prices, we do not charge a booking fee or add any additional charges.
High season: 15 June - 14 September | 29 December - 2 January | Min. stay 4 nights | € 240 per night (price for 2 people)
Mid season: 3 - 6 January | 15 March - 14 June | 15 September - 14 November | 21 - 28 December | Min. stay 3 nights | € 210 per night (price for 2 people)
Low season 7 January - 14 March | 15 November - 20 December | Min. stay 2 nights | € 180 per night (price for 2 people)
* Extra guests up to 4 people € 20 p.p.
*Babies (0-3 years): free
Long-stay offers % discount on the price per night
7+ nights: 10% discount
14+ nights: 15% discount
21+ nights: 20% discount
Included in the price:
Gas | Electricity | Water
10% Italian VAT
Wine cellar with a selection of Sicilian wines
Towel change every 3 days
Body soap and shampoo
Additional costs:
Security Deposit: € 300 The deposit will be fully refunded upon departure when there is no damage/other issues
Outdoor heated plunge pool (active from May to September, by request with extra price in other periods
Tourist Tax
End-of-stay cleaning: € 60
Cot upon request | € 5 per child, per night
* Extra guests up to 6 people € 20 p.p.
Sicilian breakfast service: €18 p.p.
Private dinner by the chef: from € 70 p.p.
Cooking course with own chef (including shopping at the Ortigia market): from Eur 100 per person
Extra Information:
Cot upon request | € 5 per child, per night
Free on-street parking on Corso San Giorgio and Corso F. Crispi (5' walk from the house) -
Airport transfer service: available on request
CIN IT089017C264HQRO83
Contact:
Do you have any questions, or if you like to combine other destinations and properties within the area for your travel itinerary? Please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@plinius.homes
Want to know the exact prices and availability for your trip?
Check prices and availabilityAmenities
Netflix
Parking
Personal care products
Washing machine
Wifi
Wine cellar
Eco sustainability
Appliances Class A
Car-free access
Eco activities
Eco-friendly
Energy-saving
Local economy
Recycling
Regional food
Renewable energy
