The Surroundings
Palazzo De Castro enjoys a strategic location for exploring the Salento region and some of the most iconic destinations in Puglia.
Art and History
Abbazia di Santa Maria di Cerrate
An ancient monastic complex surrounded by the Salento countryside, renowned for its medieval frescoes and the centuries-old olive groves that frame the landscape.
Lecce
Known as the “Florence of the South”, Lecce is famous for its distinctive Baroque architecture. Churches, palaces and courtyards carved in local Lecce stone make its historic centre one of the most fascinating in the Mediterranean.
Seaside Destinations
Gallipoli
A charming coastal town with its historic old town set on a small island overlooking the sea and connected to the mainland by a bridge.
Otranto
The easternmost city in Italy, known for its Aragonese castle and breathtaking views over the Adriatic Sea.
Iconic Experiences in Puglia
Matera
World-famous for its ancient cave dwellings known as the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Alberobello
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its unique and picturesque trulli, the traditional cone-shaped stone houses.
A stay at Palazzo De Castro offers the perfect starting point to explore the sea, art, history and traditions that make Southern Italy so unique.
Traditions and Folk Music
The province of Lecce preserves one of the most distinctive cultural identities of the Mediterranean.
Traditional music, especially pizzica, remains a living heritage that fills squares, courtyards and historic centres throughout the region.
In August, the famous Notte della Taranta festival and related events animate many towns across the Salento peninsula, transforming villages and cities into vibrant meeting places where tradition and contemporary culture come together. Concerts, dance and performances attract an international audience while maintaining strong ties with local roots.
Summer Festivals and Local Cuisine
During the summer months, towns throughout the area host numerous traditional festivals and patron saint celebrations dedicated to local food and culinary traditions.
These events offer an authentic way to experience Salento cuisine through its defining ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, seasonal vegetables, fresh handmade pasta and seafood from both the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
Live music, open-air communal tables and traditional rituals reflect the warm and welcoming character of the region.
Religious Events and Historic Traditions
One of the most impressive annual events is the Fòcara of Sant’Antonio Abate, which takes place on January 16th in the town of Novoli, just a few kilometres from Squinzano.
Considered the tallest bonfire in Europe, the event combines devotion, collective ritual and striking visual impact. The town becomes a place of shared participation, where religious tradition meets culture and music.
The Sea
Palazzo De Castro enjoys a particularly advantageous location: guests can easily choose each day which coastline to visit, between the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, depending on the wind and sea conditions.
This strategic position makes it possible to always find the calmest waters and fully enjoy every day by the sea.
