Dimora Distilia: A Restored Salento Palazzo Blends Contemporary Art and Neoclassical Design

Dimora Distilia, a restored 18th-century palazzo in San Cesario di Lecce, Italy, opens as a seven-apartment boutique accommodation blending contemporary art and neoclassical architecture. The project was conceived by owner Lilia and her husband, both design gallery curators, who fell in love with the Salento region during a visit. The renovation was executed by architecture firm XX03 of Andria. Each apartment is named after plants historically distilled in nearby Monteroni, referencing the area's distillery heritage, including the Distilleria de Giorgi, which also houses contemporary art collections. The name 'Distilia' combines 'distillare' (to distill) and 'Lilia'. Sicilian artist duo Antonella Genuardi and Leonardo Ruta created a site-specific intervention on the grand entrance vault. Travel designer Elisa De Pascalis, with experience in India and Puglian hospitality, guides visitors. The Angelica apartment features a celestial blue mirror room and a pink bedroom with a gold bed by Osvaldo Borsani. The Anice apartment incorporates furniture by Pagano and lamps by Lelli, leading to an ancient chapel with an altar. The garden includes a pool, rare plants, and a white steel staircase to upper floors with views of orange groves and church rooftops. The Ginepro apartment offers expansive views of houses, churches, and orange groves.