Patria Palace: A Noble Residence Reborn as the First Five-Star Hotel in Lecce

| Mon, 03/10/2025 - 12:30

Rooftop at Patria Palace

Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around ��ý. Each property is independently reviewed by an ��ý Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.

Why we love it

Lecce is one of the most charming cities in southern ��ý — and Patria Palace puts you right in its heart.

What to expect

A sophisticated city hotel imbued with warm, Pugliese hospitality, Patria Palace has been given new shine after a four-year renovation. Expect modern furnishings in neutral shades of white and beige with touches of forest green and accents like ceramic lamps and sculptures by local artisans.

Background

entrance — *Entrance at Patria Palace / Photo: Dario Borruto*

Built in the 18th century by architect Mauro Manieri as a noble palace for the Petrarolo d’Anna family, the property became Lecce’s first inn in 1850. Under the current ownership of the De Gennaro family, it was transformed into Puglia’s first five-star hotel in 1997. The recent renovation added a layer of contemporary design while carefully preserving the building’s Baroque and Art Nouveau architectural elements, including coffered wooden ceilings, stained glass windows, frescoes and marble floors.

In February 2025, the property became a member of Leading Hotels of the World, a prestigious association that also includes Palazzo Avino, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria and Hotel Santa Caterina on the Amalfi Coast.

Location, location, location

Located on a piazzetta directly facing the Basilica di Santa Croce, Patria Palace is in the heart of Lecce’s centro storico, but slightly removed from the crowds that tend to gather around the Duomo. The compact historic center is flat and very walkable, with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars where you can sit and sip a caffè leccese — iced espresso with almond syrup — or something stronger. The hotel partners with a beach club on the Adriatic Coast and provides shuttle service to get there between June and September.

Where you’ll sleep

The hotel’s 58 rooms and suites are tastefully decorated with comfortable beds with green velvet headboards and curtains, textured wallpaper and herringbone parquet floors. I loved the yellow lamps by Enza Fasano, a Pugliese ceramicist, next to the bed in my room, and appreciated the fresh fruit and biscuits provided as a welcome amenity. I also got a peek at the luxe Terrace Suite, which has beautiful tiled floors and a spacious terrace with a private pool overlooking Santa Croce.

Dining & drinks

The Sira Rooftop Bar and Atenze Restaurant have wonderful views of the Basilica di Santa Croce. Dinner is a gourmet affair, with the option to choose the five-course tasting menu or order a la carte. The savory pasticiotto with smoked burrata, prawns and salted vanilla crème anglaise is a highlight. On the breakfast buffet, meanwhile, you’ll find traditional sweet pasticiotti filled with vanilla custard and cherries, as well as croissants, fresh fruit and savory items like Bari-style focaccia, cheeses and prosciutto.

Service notes

The staff are warm and welcoming while maintaining their professionalism. The concierge can organize tours and cooking classes and make reservations at restaurants and beach clubs.

Spa time

During my stay, a new wellness area — with a spa suite, bio-sauna, hammam area, two indoor pools, a gym, and relaxation lounge — was in the works, but not yet ready. At publication time, hotel staff confirm it’s still in progress.