Situated between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, at the very edge of the ‘Italian heel’, the Salento peninsula is a land that has its own unique character. The gusts of the two seas seem to permeate the air here, and the facades of the buildings shine as if the Mediterranean wind were blowing the dust off them. The architecture is stunning: on one side we have the barocco leccese, distinguished by its rich ornamentation, albeit in natural colours, without the superfluous gilding that overwhelms the classic baroque. On the other side are neat houses with floors of local stone or cement tiles, whitewashed walls and vaulted ceilings that lend loftiness to even the most modest interiors. One such building is Palazzo Edmondo. Photographer Agi Sibiga takes us on a photographic journey through the region.
The architecture of Salento is an extraordinary fusion of styles, reflecting a wealth of cultural influences. Greek, Turkish, Germanic and Italian traditions meet here and have shaped the character of the region for centuries.
Just a 15-minute drive from bustling Lecce, famous for its Baroque architecture, lies the peaceful town of Monteroni di Lecce. The historic centre of the town is full of churches and chapels, and in the charming squares you can observe the unhurried life of the local community. The narrow, cobbled streets are adorned with subdued facades of old townhouses with decorative stone portals, characteristic of the region. One such portal leads to the outwardly inconspicuous 16th-century Palazzo Edmondo.
The word “palazzo” sounds proud and immediately brings to mind a palace. Meanwhile, in Italy, ‘palazzo’ is most often the term for a townhouse. In the case of Palazzo Edmondo, the modest façade actually conceals interiors worthy of a palace – subtle, subdued and in keeping with the “quiet luxury” trend.
After years of oblivion, the 16th-century building has regained its former glory thanks to the commitment and determination of its new owner, Matteo Schuerch. The three-year renovation work, carried out under the watchful eye of architect Luca Baldazzi, aimed to discreetly introduce modern amenities while preserving the building’s original character.
Every detail has been carefully considered. The majestic ceilings with their characteristic star vaulting were refreshed with traditional lime plaster. Where possible, the original ‘cocciopesto’ floors were retained, and a decorative mosaic was created from salvaged cement tiles in one of the bedrooms. The original 16th-century interior doors were also restored to preserve and commemorate the building’s history.
The peculiar red on the walls of the upstairs rest room may seem like an architect’s fantasy, but this colour showed up during the removal of successive coats of paint. Sometimes history reveals itself in the least expected places.
The bathrooms are particularly noteworthy. The largest one, lined with original ‘chianche’ stone cubes, impresses with a brick bathtub that harmonises with the star-shaped vaulted ceiling, typical of this part of Italy. To reach the next bathroom, one has to pass through an external passageway. There, a custom-made cement washbasin, illuminated by natural light coming in through an opening in the ceiling, plays a central role.
Modernity enters Palazzo Edmondo subtly and sensitively, without disrupting the building’s original identity. Examples of this include the steel kitchen from TM Italia, gleaming among the limestone walls; the Camaleonda sofa by B&B Italia, a design icon in the living room; and the old dining table surrounded by iconic Thonet chairs.
The exterior of Palazzo Edmondo has been brought to life thanks to architectural studio Rebediani Scaccabarozzi Landscapes. Within the walled space, a mysterious garden has been created with the pietra leccese stone pool at its heart. Surrounded by an ancient colonnade and fragrant orange and mandarin trees, the garden exudes an intimate atmosphere. Each stone of the garden has been numbered, restored and placed according to its original position.
text and photos: Agi Sibiga(https://agi.ms)
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