Like staying in someone’s large Palazzo. We were greeted by our host the grandson of the original owner. Close to the old historic city center this large Palazzo was a treat and high point of our trip.

This apartment is amazing, the photos don’t do it justice. Spacious, comfortable, and a setting to match this wonderful city. The host was very helpful with any questions. The mosaic floors, throughout, are unique and beautiful. Very close to the historic area, easy walking, flat. I would recommend to anyone!

Gracious large apartment in a beautiful villa. Spectacular mosaic floors. The owner was wonderful to deal with.

Gracious large apartment in a beautiful villa. Spectacular mosaic floors. The owner was wonderful to deal with.

Our host, Giuseppe, was quick to respond and flexible. He made our arrival very smooth. Staying at the palace is an unforgettable experience. Downtown Abbey was a favorite tv show, now we were living in a similar setting. The rooms are large, a dining room that comfortably seats twenty Intricately decorated ceilings, mosaic floors, stunning. And, of couse, the garden is a welcome respite from walking the old town. We miss the sweet kitty from the garden. If in Ecce

Did you ever wonder how upper-class Italians lived, say in the 1800s? Maybe even those of the nobility class? If so, Palazzo Pio is the place for you. My wife and I stayed there recently for a week with another couple. The place is so large that, at times, I had to hunt for another human being. The place has seven large and spacious rooms (and most are air conditioned) with huge vaulted and stenciled ceilings (some may even be bass-relief) facing intricate mosaic tiled floors through out the complex. The eat in kitchen has the old cooking and warming stove, including two large tureen warmers built in. It also has a modern range with fridge and clothes washing machine. If you have a lot of Lecce friends, you could invite them to dinner in the huge dining room. I counted 16 dining room chairs that could easily fit the long beautiful dining room table. Think royal state dinner. There are two large parlors, a nicely appointed study/library/reading area and a couple of spacious bedrooms. One has an ensuite bathroom. The other private chamber is down the hall near the kitchen. Each sleep chamber has its own balcony over looking Viale Lo Re (Francesca) a lane that fronts the gates to the old walled city. There are numerous cafes, bistros, fruit stands etc. along the street. In fact, right across Lo Re is a café that serves fresh squeezed orange juice and the best cappuccinos in Lecce along with an array of pastries and just about every other food imaginable. It was our morning gathering place. It was interesting to discover, that even though this was one of two apartments on the second floor (In Europe the second floor is considered the first floor) each room but one had at least 1 or two windows that faced either the street or a beautiful internal court yard. The thick shutters easily shut out any street noise once closed. The courtyard with its nicely landscaped grounds and numerous olive trees was a haven after a long day of sightseeing. It has several sitting areas with each one suitable for a group to down a chilled bottle of prosecco. Oh, I almost forgot. The complex has a welcome cat. A small feline that meets each guest with a meow that means, “Scratch my head.” It patrols the courtyard looking for a lap to rest on or a person to pet it or just to talk with you. Kinda cool. The apartment is reached by a grand stone mosaic tiled staircase that has three landings. Could be a set for a movie. So, as you can see, we enjoyed our time immense

Wonderful stay at the centro storico. Nice family Pio who owns the house for centuries and knows the best parts of town. Be a nobleman for a few days at their palazzo!

Three mature professional Australians stayed here. Palazzo Pio was just amazing - huge rooms, beautifully furnished with fabulous mosaics on each floor in the apartment This was simply. It was like staying in a true palace, The owners were gracious and very helpful. At the end of a day out, we could have drinks or even our own dinner in the beautiful garden, the Orangerie. The Palazzo is in a great position just outside the old city. There were other suites downstairs but we had a huge space upstairs with so many gorgeous rooms. Don’t stay anywhere else in Lecce! This was simply the best place we could have chosen.