Bari's Palazzo Le Giare Hotel Sparks Debate with Amphora-Studded Facade
In Bari's Piazza Umberto, the forthcoming Palazzo Le Giare hotel has ignited social media controversy even before its spring 2026 opening. Architect Marco Casamonti, founder of Archea Associati, designed the facade with pop-inspired amphorae made of polyurethane foam, referencing local peasant traditions. The project, commissioned by the Mazzitelli family's Metaresort group, aims to revitalize the square and boost cultural tourism. Critics decry the design as a jarring disruption, comparing the amphorae to cemetery niches, while supporters see it as a bold urban gesture. Casamonti, known for projects like Casa Maitò in Forte dei Marmi and the Teatro Nazionale di Florence, argues that facades define public squares. The Mazzitelli family describes the apartment hotel as both avant-garde and retrograde, a love letter to Bari. The debate reflects tensions between innovation and preservation in historic city centers.
Key facts
- Palazzo Le Giare is an apartment hotel in Piazza Umberto, Bari, opening spring 2026.
- Architect Marco Casamonti designed the facade with polyurethane foam amphorae in earth tones.
- The project is commissioned by the Mazzitelli family's Metaresort group.
- Casamonti is founder of Archea Associati, which also restored the Teatro Nazionale di Firenze.
- The amphorae are placed on balconies to appear balanced like collector vases on shelves.
- Critics on social media compared the facade to cemetery niches and called it an eyesore.
- Supporters view the design as a way to make Piazza Umberto more attractive for cultural tourism.
- Casamonti previously designed Casa Maitò hotel in Forte dei Marmi and Cantina Antinori.
- The Mazzitelli family calls the project a gesture of love for Bari.
- The debate centers on whether the design disrupts the harmony of the historic square.
Entities
Artists
- Marco Casamonti
Institutions
- Metaresort
- Archea Associati
- Teatro Nazionale di Firenze
- Casa Maitò
- Cantina Antinori
- Mercato San Lorenzo
Locations
- Bari
- Italy
- Piazza Umberto
- Forte dei Marmi
- San Casciano Val di Pesa
- Florence