With its beautiful, fully furnished terraces—which also feature a mini-pool and offer a stunning 360° view of the historic center—Palazzetto Giravolta is a charming urban residence nestled in a narrow alley in the heart of Lecce, just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Duomo.
The Space
With its beautiful furnished terraces, which also feature a mini-pool (unheated) and offer a stunning 360° view of the historic center, Palazzetto Giravolta is a charming urban residence, nestled in a narrow street in the heart of Lecce, just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Duomo.

The house spans two levels, in addition to the first floor. You enter a beautiful foyer, which immediately sets the artistic tone that characterizes the home; there is ample space to park bicycles and head up to the first floor, which houses the main apartment. Featuring classic 19th-century architecture and very comfortable, stylish interiors, it can accommodate 6 people, with one master bedroom featuring an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub, one double/twin bedroom with its own bathroom with a shower, and another master bedroom with a bathroom featuring a shower. On the second floor, the terrace is divided into distinct, fully equipped areas, and there is also a separate guesthouse with a bedroom for one person and a bathroom with a shower.

First floor
From a small entryway, you enter the master bedroom with a bathtub on the left and a twin/double bedroom with a shower room on the right, straight ahead into the spacious and sunny living room. From here, continue to the right into the fully equipped kitchen, which also features a dining table. From the kitchen, you can access—via the balcony—another master bedroom with a bathroom featuring a shower. All the rooms in this apartment have French doors leading to balconies that overlook either a small inner courtyard at the rear or the narrow street leading to the Palazzetto—a very quiet and picturesque area.

Second floor
From the entrance landing, you then go up to the second floor, where you first come to a small laundry room on the left (there is a washer-dryer and an additional refrigerator), and then step out onto the terrace. To the right is the entrance to the guest house, which features a small sitting area, a double bedroom, and a bathroom with a shower. The terraces are divided into several areas, all shaded by awnings. The first section is furnished with a 4-meter-long sofa, lounge chairs, and other outdoor furniture. A couple of steps down leads to the outdoor dining area with a table for 12, where you can enjoy delightful dinners in complete privacy amid the crisp air of spring and summer evenings; this area also features a corner with an outdoor shower (with hot water). Finally, climbing a stone staircase, you reach the top level of the terraces, where there is a small pool and a sunbathing area with lounge chairs. All of this outdoor space is a small oasis of relaxation from which to admire the old town, which turns pink at sunset.

We love it because
The original and eclectic style that boldly blends furniture and decorative elements from various eras; “cult” pieces of contemporary design and original works of art, which intertwine with the Pompeian-style frescoes brought to light by the Palazzetto’s restoration; and the classical architecture characteristic of Lecce’s Baroque residences. All of this creates an atmosphere that is charming, welcoming, and invigorating.

Important Information
Palazzetto Giravolta is not suitable for families with small children (under 7 years old), as there are stairs, balconies, terraces, a small pool, and furnishings featuring designer pieces and works of art—all of which require special supervision and care.
Other things to keep in mind
Weekly rates include: water, gas, and electricity usage; bed and bath linens; and maintenance of the mini-pool. Pets are not allowed. Smoking is not permitted inside the house.

The historic center of Lecce is a restricted-traffic zone, so only residents are allowed to enter by car. The paid parking area is just outside Porta Rudiae, a five-minute walk from the house.

Distances
The house is located right in the heart of Lecce’s historic center, 250 m from the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, and less than 200 m from a mini-market and the neighborhood’s covered market (Porta Rudiae).
Restaurants: within a 500-meter radius, you’ll be spoiled for choice; two good restaurants about 100 m away are “Cantina delle streghe” and “La Barca di Mario.”
Beach: San Cataldo and “Le Cesine” Nature Reserve; “Ultima Spiaggia” beach (about 12 km); Torre Specchia Ruggeri (18 km)
Acaya 18-hole Golf Club: 12 km
Santa Maria di Leuca (de Finibus Terrae): 72 km
Otranto (renowned for its cathedral and beaches): 35 km
Gallipoli (the last outpost of Magna Graecia): 36 km
Brindisi (airport): 45 km
Bari (airport): 168 km

Weekly rates include: water, gas, and electricity usage; bed and bath linens; and maintenance of the mini-pool. A final cleaning fee of €200.00 is charged separately and must be paid upon arrival. Pets are not allowed. Smoking is not permitted inside the house.

The historic center of Lecce is a restricted-traffic zone; therefore, only residents are permitted to enter by car. The paid parking area is just outside Porta Rudiae, a five-minute walk from the house.

As required by law, a tourist tax is required for a maximum of 5 consecutive days, amounting to €3.00 per day from April 1 through October 31, and €2.00 per day from November 1 through March 31.