PALAZZO DUCALE VENTURI IN MINERVINO DI LECCE IN APULIA

Palazzo Ducale Venturi, a distinguished establishment founded in the 16th century as a Templar settlement, later transformed into a noble fortress, boasts an intriguing blend of history and luxury. Nestled strategically in the quiet hinterland of Salento, this Palazzo is situated in Minervino di Lecce, just under 10 km away from the more famous Otranto region, and a mere ten-minute drive from the pristine sandy and rocky beaches.

While providing all the comforts of a 5-star luxury hotel, Palazzo Ducale Venturi is so much more than this. With its stone vaults, frescoes and original Lecce stone flooring, everything about this property is steeped in history, an embodiment of five centuries of art and culture which provides guests with a unique opportunity to step into a world of aristocratic grandeur. Carefully curated with a magnificent selection of antique furniture, exquisite paintings and historical artifacts, every corner of Palazzo Ducale Venturi exudes an inviting and comfortable ambiance. This remarkable property has earned a special designation from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Tourism as a Property Subject to Fine Arts Constraints. The entire Palazzo has been meticulously restored under the supervision of the Superintendency of Cultural Heritage, ensuring the preservation of its historical significance and splendour.

Palazzo Ducale Venturi is sure to captivate its guests with its timeless atmosphere. It features an open-air lounge set amidst the scents of the fragrant citrus grove and a refreshing salt-water swimming pool equipped with hydromassage, while the presence of two ancient salt ovens enables visitors to rediscover all the flavours of traditional Salento recipes, as well as trying out the stunning heated pool carved out of a characteristic Hypogeum oil mill. Guests are also welcome to work out in our well-equipped gym or simply relax in the peace and quiet of our Spa and Wellness Centre.

The hotel provides 20 rooms of different types; most of them are located within the Palazzo, while six additional Suites have been created in what was once the Palace's armoury, which has been recently restored and overlooks the garden and pool. Everyone staying with us will be warmly welcomed and presented with fresh fruit, pastries and local products.

The 5* Ducal Suite is located on the ground floor of the Palazzo and has direct access to the lawn of the pool area, through a small private patio. It comprises two different areas: a living area with armchairs and a sofa and the bedroom, adorned with a frescoed ceiling depicting scenes from the legend of Saint George. Its rate includes private access (upon reservation) to the enchanting heated indoor pool. The other four Suites are distributed on the ground and first floors of the former armoury.

One of the three Junior Suites, all furnished with a living area featuring armchairs and a desk, and a sleeping area with a king- or queen-size bed, is located on the first floor of the Palazzo, while the other two are on the first and second floors of the ancient armoury, respectively. The nine Deluxe rooms vary in size and composition, featuring queen-size or king-size beds, all uniquely and originally furnished, with a writing desk and armchairs, all aimed at providing the utmost luxury and comfort for our guests. The ‘Agrumeto’ Deluxe rooms – one on the ground floor overlooking the citrus grove, which can be connected to another adjoining Classic room, and two on the first floor with a view of it – are slightly smaller but are still equipped with all modern amenities.

The 5* ‘Camera della Novizia’ or Novice's Room, located within the Palazzo, can be reached by crossing the magnificent hall and walking down an exclusive stone staircase. Characterised by its intimacy and privacy, it is a sort of 'secret room' that has been restored to its original splendour using ancient workmanship. The story of the novice echoing within the walls of this room will guide the visitor back to the early days of the 18th century.

Last but not least, the Room of the Abbess, ‘la Camera della Badessa’, is a room on the first floor distinguished by the presence of the ancient stone staircase that leads from the ground floor to the roof.

Ideal for a romantic getaway, it features a sitting area at the entrance and a queen-size loft bed accessible by an ancient spiral stone staircase. To pamper you even more, private use of the indoor pool is also included with this room (by prior reservation).

All rooms, naturally, provide maximum comfort: satellite TV, Wi-Fi internet connection, smartphones with free national and international calls and free internet, a digital safe, a minibar and a kettle. Some of the bathrooms have double sinks and all have showers.

Palazzo Ducale Venturi is an enchanting location, immersed in majestic olive groves, lush vineyards and fragrant citrus groves. It is perfect for a romantic getaway, or for a rejuvenating break in the midst of beauty and nature.

THE HISTORY OF PALAZZO DUCALE VENTURI

In ancient times, Minervino di Lecce was known as 'lo re de li casali' (‘the king of the rural houses’), as confirmed by the epigraph carved on the side door of the Parish Church of San Pietro, dated A.D. 1473. Surrounded by the hamlets of Cerfignano, Cocumola and Specchia Gallone, it was chosen as a bulwark of defence against the Turks by King Ferdinand I of Aragon, who had a castle built here. Following the events of the capture of Otranto in 1480, the Castle was unfortunately conquered and subsequently destroyed by the very same Turks. Saracen raids forced the population to seek refuge inland, so the fiefdom, where Minervino would later be rebuilt, began to repopulate only in the early 16th century.

Its continuous growth led to the development of as many as 16 villages clustered around it in the mid-17th century. Among these was the hamlet known as 'Giudeca', which was was inhabited by a Jewish colony. The main village, known as ‘Minervino’, was also a fiefdom of the Venturi family who erected two impressive Palazzos here: namely, the Old Castle and the New Castle. Today, we can still admire the latter, which, despite its renovation, has retained all its original charm. The Venturis were an ancient and noble family originating from Salerno who arrived in Terra D'Otranto in the 14th century with Jacuzio di Tomaso Ventura of Salerno. Over time, the family split into various branches, some of which have now become extinct.

In 1414, following the marriage of Giacomo Venturi to the feudal lord Antonia Sembiase of Cosenza, owner of the duchy of Minervino, a branch of this dynasty moved to the province of Lecce. Another branch of the Venturas moved first to Copertino and later to Galatina, while a third branch from Modugno settled in Bari. This ancient and noble family possessed many fiefdoms in Terra D'Otranto, including Morigino, Palmariggi, Castro, Maglie, Melpignano, Cerfignano (mid-1480s) and Minervino (two thirds were sold by the Filomarinos to the Ventura family in the 16th century). Giuseppe Maria Ventura was granted the title of Duke of Minervino by King Charles with a Diploma dated 11 September 1683.

The Venturi family expanded its holdings by purchasing various fiefdoms over the centuries, such as Giurdignano in 1378, Giuggianello, Miggianello and Depressa a few decades later, and Cocumola, Castiglione and Caprarica del Capo in 1583. The fiefdom of Tuglie, meanwhile, was donated by Filippo Guarino to his nephew Giuseppe Ferdinando Ventura, Duke of Minervino, as instructed by Notary Mangia on 14 October 1726. Today, Palazzo Ducale Venturi - Luxury Relais & Wellness Hotel offers all modern comforts to its guests while retaining the fortified appearance of the historical residence. Many of the distinctive signs of the Palazzo’s original defensive function are still present, such as the loopholes on the parapet that runs along the façades, and stone gargoyles shaped like cannon barrels. A watchtower stands on the right side of the main façade and crenellations are present at all the windows on the first floor.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: ACCOMMODATION, WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS IN SALENTO

Palazzo Ducale Venturi combines the historical value of the structure with the highest level of service and comfort. All the rooms and suites are now equipped with multifunctional smartphones, which are at the disposal of guests staying at the hotel and can even be used externally. The phone allows you to make both national and international calls, access the digital local area guide service, and connect to the internet, all at no additional cost.

Palazzo Ducale Venturi is the first 5-star luxury hotel in Apuglia, and one of the first in Italy, to offer Cryotherapy treatments, representing another major innovation: during the session, the machine operates at -190°C for total body effectiveness in just 3 minutes. This provides numerous benefits to the body, from treating chronic pain to weight loss or an anti-aging effect.

To make your stay even more special, Palazzo Ducale Venturi offers an additional personalised service for its clients: tailored aromatherapy. Guests can create their own bespoke ‘holiday fragrance’ by choosing their favorite scent, which will then be integrated into their stay at the hotel.

In terms of general amenities, Palazzo Ducale Venturi has an outdoor swimming pool with a whirlpool located in the charming garden area, complete with changing rooms and parasols. The fully equipped gym is located inside the old armoury building, adjacent to the garden and pool. Inside the Palazzo, guests can enjoy the underground heated pool carved from an ancient Hypogeum oil mill and discover the professionalism of our qualified specialised staff at our intimate and private massage and well-being centre. Breakfast, included in your stay, provides a pleasant start to the day with local produce, prepared by our chef or small businesses in the vicinity. A rapid lunch service is available, while dinner can be exclusively reserved at our restaurant.

The staff of Palazzo Ducale Venturi will be at your disposal for any of your requirements, at hand to help organise your transfers, guided tours, horse riding or kite-surfing courses. The rooms are equipped with a seating area with a desk and armchairs, a safe, air conditioning/heating, soundproofing, a shower, bathrobes, bathroom amenities, a flat-screen TV, pay-per-view and satellite channels, a telephone, a minibar and an electric kettle. Wi-Fi is complimentary and available throughout the hotel. The Palazzo is available for the organisation of private events and ceremonies during low and mid-season.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE VICINITY

This 5-star luxury hotel is 90 km from Brindisi Airport, less than 10 km south of Otranto, 35 km from Lecce, 40 km from Leuca, 42 km from Gallipoli and 60 km from Porto Cesareo.