161-year-old Family Palazzo
Located in Italy’s exquisite Puglia region, This beautiful eleven-suite luxury hotel housed in a 161-year-old family palazzo. Inspired by the concept of absence, the hotel’s minimalist design strips back as much as possible, while enhancing the grandeur of the palazzo’s original frescoes, vaulted ceilings, and mosaic flooring, to create a dramatic canvas for the property’s contemporary art collection. The sister hotel of G-Rough in Rome, this historic Palazzo is the second property of hotelier Gabriele Salini’s GS Collection, embodying the collection’s spirit by merging the best of Italian art, design, and gastronomy in an authentic, welcoming setting. Central to the hotel's social concept are the principles of hyper-localism, community, and a kitchen ethos where Salini’s credo, “questa casa non è un albergo” ("this house is not a hotel”), inspires a hospitality approach designed to make guests feel part of an intimate family palazzo.
The palazzo, initially constructed in the neoclassical style in 1861 by locally renowned architect Domenico Malinconico, showcases courtyards and lush Mediterranean landscaping. Reshaped by GS Collection, the property melds sublime minimalism, 19th-century splendor, and contemporary art. By stripping back the interiors while preserving architectural integrity, the palazzo offers a striking backdrop for its curated modern art collection. Site-specific works commissioned by GS, including pieces by Luigi Presicci, Nicolas Party, Roberto Cuoghi, and Carla Accardi, are juxtaposed with ancestral portraits and neoclassical motifs.
“questa casa non è un albergo”
Like a local
Located in the tranquil village of Gagliano del Capo in southern Salento, the historic Palazzo offers unparalleled access to traditional Pugliese life. Guests can tour nearby farms, fish with local fishermen, and have their catch prepared by the hotel chef for a family-style meal at the communal table.
Public spaces throughout the property enhance its communal spirit, inviting guests to unwind with an aperitivo by the fireplace or in the open-air courtyard, the architectural centerpiece. The open kitchen, with views of the pool, serves as a prime gathering point, offering seasonal, locally sourced dishes prepared by four female chefs, whose families have lived in the region for generations. Cooking lessons and private natural wine tastings further connect guests to the local culinary heritage. Outdoor amenities include a steam room, sauna, swimming pool, and romantic dining experiences in the Kaffeehaus enclosure. Guests can even pick oranges from on-site trees for use in cocktails or light bites.
The Suites
The suites, characterized by vaulted ceilings and minimal furnishings, highlight artful design elements that blur the lines between function and aesthetics. Views range from the courtyard and pool to the town’s piazzetta. Among the highlights:
Junior Suites with king-size beds and courtyard views.
The Royal Junior Suite, featuring a six-meter rain shower as an art installation.
The expansive Master Suite, complete with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and curated art pieces.
The Suite Apartment, offering private access, a kitchen, and a combination of heritage architecture and bold artwork.
Newly added suites include the Black Suite, an all-black penthouse with a private terrace, and La Torretta Suite, a duplex with a red marble staircase leading to the bedroom.
Location
Set in the heart of Gagliano del Capo, the Palazzo connects guests with local culture, cuisine, and Salento’s stunning coastlines, offering access to both the rocky Adriatic shores and sandy Ionian beaches. The area is also home to Capo d’Arte, an annual international art show attracting global tastemakers.
Guest Amenities
Outdoor pool
Open-air courtyard
Communal living room with fireplace
Orangery and garden
Steam room and sauna
All-day dining (8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.)
Authentic guest experiences, including:
Private cooking lessons (ricotta-making, pasta, and Pugliese cuisine)
Natural wine tastings with local specialties
Sunset boat rides with aperitifs
Private dinners in the Kaffeehaus
Sports experiences: biking, kite surfing, hiking, and more
Room Amenities
Black steel-framed wardrobes
Malin+Goetz toiletries
Rollaway beds (on request)
Bathtubs in select suites
Site-specific art installations
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Room Types
Junior Suite: 28 sqm, one queen bed, courtyard view
Royal Junior Suite: 45 sqm, one queen bed, six-meter rain shower, courtyard view
Suite: 40 sqm, one king bed, piazzetta or pool view
La Torretta: 32 sqm, duplex with courtyard access, one queen bed
Black Suite: 85 sqm, private terrace, one double bed
Master Suite: 120-130 sqm, two king beds, living room, piazzetta view
Suite Apartment: 200 sqm, private kitchen, dining area, three bedrooms
Prices
Starting Rate: €423