Palazzo Tanzarella
A Renaissance palace in the heart of Ostuni’s ancient village, home to the Mediterranean Diet Foundation and restored to reveal its original Pompeian red.
At a glance
Palazzo Tanzarella stands on Via Cattedrale, opposite the Museum of Preclassical Civilizations of Southern Murgia. Built in the second half of the sixteenth century, the palace was acquired by the Tanzarella family in 1816 and underwent comprehensive restoration in 2014. It now serves as the seat of the Mediterranean Diet Foundation.
History
The palazzo dates to the second half of the 1500s, when Ostuni was a flourishing coastal settlement. According to a land registry document from 1816, the Tanzarella family purchased the building that year, establishing the connection that would give the palace its enduring name. The structure has retained its sixteenth-century bones despite subsequent modifications across centuries.
What you see
The palazzo preserves authentic sixteenth-century elements on both its façade and interior. Window architraves maintain their original Renaissance proportions and detailing. An inscription carved into the stonework reads: “Everything in its time. Well-moderate things last a long time”—a maxim that has proven apt for the building itself. The 2014 restoration reinstated the distinctive red ochre characteristic of Pompeian painting, reviving the palette that once adorned the ancient Roman city.
Cultural significance
As headquarters of the Mediterranean Diet Foundation, Palazzo Tanzarella connects historical architecture with contemporary scholarship on regional food culture and wellness. The building exemplifies the Renaissance domestic architecture of southeastern Puglia, reflecting the region’s prosperity during the sixteenth century.
Key facts
- Address: Via Cattedrale, 1, 72017 Ostuni
- Coordinates: 40.7324830, 17.5780830
- Phone: 0831336383
- Website: http://www.ostunimuseo.it/
Practical information
The palazzo functions as an institutional and cultural venue. Contact the official website or telephone number for current opening hours, visitor policies, and any special exhibitions or events.
Getting there
The palazzo is located in Ostuni’s historic center on Via Cattedrale. If driving, use the coordinates provided for GPS navigation. Ostuni is accessible by rail and road from Bari and other towns in the Itria Valley region.
Sources & resources
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