Hotel Histórico
Cuestionario
Año de construcción: 1508
¿Cuál es la historia del inmueble?
In the heart of the historic centre of Lecce, Pollicastro Boutique Hotel is a historic residence, located in a 16th-century palace, also known as Palazzo dei Perroni, an appellation given to the entire street spanning from Porta San Biagio to Piazza Sant’Oronzo.
Myths and legends intertwine in the history of this antique location, a fact that is confirmed by the discreet and precious details that can be glimpsed on the facade, among the golden reflections of the “pietra leccese” (the local limestone of Lecce): a small statue of Saint Oronzo, the first bishop of Lecce who lived during the Nero’s persecutions and became the Saint Protector of the city after the plague of 1656. An antique belief, passed down verbally, has it that Pollicastro was built on the ruins of the Saint's house.
At the main entrance, on the Catalan- Durrës portal, adorned with a slightly lowered archway, you can admire a statue of an angel holding a ciambella (ring-shaped bread), peering over you. A 17th-century manuscript reveals that ,in 1219, Saint Francis of Assisi knocked on that portal to beg for food and saw the apparition of a young pageboy with e big white bread in his hands that suddenly disappeared. This episode was considered miraculous and, to commemorate the event, an angel that offers a typical bread of Lecce, known as “puddhricasciu”, had been sculpted on the portal. Hence, comes the name “Isola del Pollicastro” (The island of Pollicastro) which was long attributed to the entire complex of houses standing before the monastery of San Matteo.
¿Está el inmueble rodeado de otros edificios históricos?
yes as it is situated in the old town
¿Se han realizado obras de restauración?
yes
¿Hay algún elemento de especial importancia histórica en el edificio?
During the restoration, a 19th century altar was discovered in one suite and brought back to life, after breaking down a wall. Today, it adds indisputable sacredness to the room.
In the Grand Deluxe Ninfeo Suite Under the typical 16th century “lunette” ceiling, which creates a magical play of lights and shadows, there is a wide modern bed, seemingly in contrast with the context, that creates a perfect harmony due to its roundness that follows the curves of the room. A large fireplace invites the guests to sink into the antique armchairs and relax.
Going down the staircase, you reach a large bathroom, where a water cascade in an underground cave pool (an old underground cistern) steals the show and promises a unique rejuvenating experience.
¿Ha recibido el inmueble alguna certificación por su estatus histórico?
yes by the city hall
Describiría su propiedad como (o ha sido en el pasado) a: Palacio
¿Hay algo que le gustaría destacar, añadir o aclarar?
The hotel is run by the Miglietta family, local entrepreneurs with a passion for interior design and restoration. Each piece of furniture or adornment was conceived, designed and made exclusively, a bit at a time, gathering inspiration by each single corner of the building.
