Minimalism and contemporary art meet the splendors of the nineteenth century in the nine suites of Palazzo Daniele. An aristocratic residence in the historic center of the authentic Apulian village of Gagliano del Capo. A few kilometers from Santa Maria di Leuca, the most southern point of the heel of Italy. On one side the beaches of the Ionian Sea, on the other the coves of the Adriatic Sea.

This house is not a hotel. This is the Palazzo Daniele's philosophy. It is part, together with G-Rough (Rome), of GS Collection owned by the entrepreneur Gabriele Salini. The concept? Feeling like a guest in a noble family palace. Where art, design and gastronomy are the protagonists.

"How many times have we heard from our mothers: 'This house is not a hotel'. This motto well explains the philosophy of my hotels. Transforming private homes into meeting places. The concept of hospitality is intimate and domestic. The service is attentive and courteous, but less set. We favor authenticity and genuineness instead of the artificial standards of a large international chain, "says Gabriele Salini.

Built in neoclassical style in 1861 by the world-famous architect Domenico Malinconico, the restyling of the house was carried out by Gabriele Salini together with the Italian interior design and architecture studio Ludovica + Roberto Palomba. Goodbye to old furniture, yes to the concept of 'absence'.

The minimalist design highlights the original details: 19th century frescoes, original mosaic floors and vaulted ceilings. All this is a frame for the contemporary art collection of the owner Francesco Petrucci, the last descendant of the Daniele family.

Blank walls, king size beds, essential furnishings and a few family portraits. In the rooms the works of art are transformed into accessories with a functional design. Like Simon d'Exea's lightboxes: they illuminate and decorate the space. Love at first sight? The rain shower that falls from a six-meter high ceiling onto a washbasin designed by the Italian artist Andrea Sala.

"Minimalism and patina. It was not chosen, it was the house that asked for it, we just listened "explains Francesco Petrucci. "Minimalism is the contemporary language of reading (and exalting) the historical patina of a magical place like Palazzo Daniele" adds Gabriele Salini. "The aesthetics of the place, its architecture, art and the suspension of time make each visitor's experience unique and original".

The day at Palazzo Daniele begins with a homemade breakfast by Donata, a chef from Gagliano del Capo. The kitchen is the focus of the hotel. Here Donata reveals to the guests the secrets of her recipes or the name of local producers. What’s next? A swim in the pool, a relaxing sauna and an aperitif in front of the fireplace.

"Initially I was thinking of transforming the building into artist residences. Then my dear friend Gabriele's vision of the new Italian hospitality won me over. A couple of beers and we shook hands "says Francesco Petrucci. "My memories in the house? Various, depending on the age. Grandma, homemade bread every Friday, turtles in the garden, memories as a child. Extravagant friends and parties as an adult. But that is recent history ".

"The evenings with Francesco at Palazzo Daniele are enriched by the presence of young, educated, open mind and interesting guests and a local, genuine and professional staff. To the homemade bread we added the orecchiette and much more. Friends, as well as opportunities to be together and celebrate, are more than before. What more could you ask for? " adds Gabriele.

In the Palazzo Daniele's Kaffeehaus it is possible to book a romantic candlelight dinner, surrounded by the orange garden. Here the nobles used to entertain guests with coffee and chocolate. On request: cooking class, sport fishing, vintage car tours and tastings of local products.

www.palazzodaniele.com

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