The palace is the result of the merger of three buildings, the oldest of Renaissance origin, amalgamated by the Mandoj family when their only daughter Aurelia married Raffaele Bernardini Marquis of Arnesano in the second half of the 19th century.
On the piano nobile, 15th-century niches with coeval frescoes, recessed safes with revolving stone doors, 18th-century frescoes and stucco work provide a backdrop for the sumptuous furnishings to an ancient library and the prestigious collection of 17th-century Neapolitan school paintings from the Pinacoteca del Palazzo Marchesale in Arnesano.
Restorations have preserved the ancient floorings including a 19th-century mosaic with floral motifs, 19th-century majolica from Naples and the ancient Paladini Manufactory of San Pietro in Lama with geometric and floral motifs, as well as paving stones.
In the rooms on the ground floor-which once housed carriages-ancient horse mangers, remains of terracotta water pipes, and an ancient oven are still preserved, while in the basement an ancient grain store and several cisterns have been found.
From the windows of the Palace's facade there is a view of the city's Cathedral Bell Tower while on the opposite side there is a view of the historic garden bordered by an ancient "bolo" wall.
The Garden
The garden, which preserves the oldest Jacaranda in the city and various other 19th-century plants, as well as citrus trees and ornamental plants, is open once a year, on the last Sunday in May, on the occasion of the Cortili Aperti (Open Courtyards) event organized by the Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane (Italian Historic Houses Association) in collaboration with the Municipality of Lecce.
Marchesa Isabelle, widow of Raffaele Bernardini Marchese di Arnesano, has dedicated herself and is still dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the palace.
Located in the heart of Lecce's historic center, fifty meters from the Cathedral, Palazzo Bernardini is an exclusive aristocratic residence of Renaissance origin.
The rooms with star and barrel vaults have been expertly restored, respecting tradition, furnished with antique furniture and carpets and decorated with great attention to detail.
Inside the palace, guests have at their disposal elegant suites and spacious and bright apartments, the ideal choice for those who want to stay in a place of particular charm in Lecce.
This authentic aristocratic palace combines local tradition with modern amenities, combining the charm of the past with the most modern comforts.
Palazzo Bernardini also boasts an ancient indoor garden, enlivened by fragrant flowers and centuries-old plants, including a majestic 19th-century Araucaria tree and a centuries-old Wisteria. The garden is available to our suite guests for breakfast and relaxation amid the scent of flowers.
Bernardini Palace
Address: Via Marco Basseo, 25, 73100
Phone: 3807553865
Site:
https://www.palazzobernardini.it/Location inserted by
Giulia