Often hailed as the Florence of the South, this Baroque Italian city is the crown jewel of Salento, a region famed for its rolling olive groves, pristine beaches, and culinary delights like pasticciottos and pistachios. Lecce’s limestone buildings, adorned with intricate carvings, exude a golden glow under the southern Italian sun, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era. Lecce’s allure lies not only in its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene but also in its ability to merge the old with the new. As you wander through its narrow streets, you’ll encounter everything from ancient Roman amphitheaters to bustling piazzas filled with the scent of fresh pastries and the sound of lively conversations. Quite simple, this is Lecce — a place where every corner tells a story.
At the heart of this captivating city lies the La Fiermontina Family Collection, a series of luxury properties that embody the spirit of Lecce and its rich artistic heritage. Owned by siblings Fouad Giacomo and Antonia Yasmina Filali, the La Fiermontina Collection is inspired by their grandmother, Antonia Fiermonte, whose life as an artist and muse intertwined with some of the 20th century’s most influential sculptors. The collection spans three countries, but it is in Lecce where the family’s passion for art and hospitality truly comes alive.
A Family Passion for Art and Hospitality
The collection’s centerpiece in Lecce is the La Fiermontina Luxury Home, an 18-room haven that offers an intimate blend of traditional Pugliese charm and modern luxury. Set within a historic building, the property is surrounded by olive trees and lush gardens, providing a serene retreat. Each room is a tribute to the family’s history, adorned with antique furniture, contemporary art, and pieces from the family’s private collection, creating a space where guests can experience the legacy of Antonia Fiermonte firsthand.
Just a short walk from La Fiermontina Luxury Home, the Palazzo Bozzi Corso offers a more intimate experience with its ten luxurious suites. This 18th-century palazzo, with its frescoed ceilings and original flooring, has been meticulously restored to preserve its historic charm while incorporating modern comforts. Each suite is unique, reflecting the Filali family’s love for art and design, and offering guests a glimpse into the life of Lecce’s aristocracy.
Museum Quality
The newest jewel in the La Fiermontina Collection is the Fiermonte Museum, a space that transcends the traditional concept of a museum. Located in the heart of Lecce, this sanctuary of art is dedicated to the works of Antonia Fiermonte and the sculptors René Letourneur and Jacques Zwobada, whose lives were deeply intertwined with hers. The museum’s recent renovation and expansion have transformed it into a multi-sensory experience, where art, history, and technology converge. At the Fiermonte Museum, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of 20th-century art through a series of exhibitions that showcase everything from bronze and marble sculptures to paintings and drawings. The museum also incorporates modern technologies like virtual reality and holography, allowing guests to experience art in a new and innovative way. But the experience doesn’t end when the museum closes its doors for the night.
In a unique twist, the La Fiermontina Collection has introduced four luxury suites within the Fiermonte Museum itself. Each suite is a living work of art, designed to offer guests an immersive experience that extends beyond the museum’s opening hours. The Nocturne Suite, inspired by music, pays homage to Antonia’s work as a violinist, while the Peplum Suite celebrates cinema, a nod to her brother Enzo Fiermonte, a famous actor. The Avant-Garde Suite, dedicated to painting, and the Marbre Suite, a tribute to sculpture, complete this extraordinary offering. Staying in one of these suites is like living within a piece of history, surrounded by the very art that defines Lecce’s cultural heritage.
With the addition of the Fiermonte Museum and its luxurious suites, the La Fiermontina Collection has solidified its place as a cornerstone of Lecce’s artistic and cultural landscape. As you explore this enchanting city, you’ll find that Lecce is more than just a destination — it’s a living canvas where the stories of the past continue to inspire the present. And where art and life are beautifully intertwined.
Featured image courtesy of La Fiermontina Family Collection
