Can you start by sharing a little about yourself and your family, including names, ages, and where you live? Also, tell us the names of your accommodation(s)!

Palazzo Neviano was founded by Georg and Alessandro. Alessandro is an Italian architect from Gallipoli, and Georg is a German architect. We have been working together for several years in Barcelona, where we both live.

We would love to share a little more about you as a person with our customers. Could you tell us more about yourself? For example, your interests, leisure activities, work, family, vacations?

Georg: I am German-Guatemalan, so my upbringing wasn’t typically German. My parents moved to Corfu as soon as I finished school. They inspired me to one day move abroad myself. After studying architecture in London, I moved to Barcelona, where I founded my own studio, Kayserstudio, focusing mainly on residential projects. In my free time, I enjoy visiting museums to disconnect from the world. I also spend time in Mallorca, where I live in a rural area, which provides a beautiful contrast to city life in Barcelona.

Alessandro: I was born and raised in Puglia but moved to Rome at 18 to study architecture. Since then, I’ve lived in various cities, such as London and Milan, and have been living in Barcelona since 2018. I work here as an architect alongside Georg and enjoy life in a city where I can go to the beach or visit art exhibitions in my free time. I still feel a strong connection to my hometown and return to Italy several times a year.

When and how did this accommodation come into your life, and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

Georg: During the pandemic, I discovered the property online and was immediately fascinated by the photos. After my first visit to Puglia, about 10 years ago, I had already fallen in love with the region, but the right moment to start a project hadn’t come yet. I immediately forwarded the property to Alessandro and asked if he was interested in collaborating on a project together.

Alessandro: I was excited the moment I saw the location. I already knew the region well and knew it would be the perfect base for Salento. When I saw the property in person, I called Georg and said, "This Palazzo is truly something special," and we decided to buy it!

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your accommodation?

Georg: Our goal was to change as little as possible to preserve the original charm and patina that were already visible, even in the photos.

Alessandro: Coordinating the renovation from Barcelona was challenging, but with lots of travel and help from local professionals I knew, we succeeded. Working on a historic building was highly motivating. We uncovered hidden fireplaces and layers of paint that we wanted to preserve as much as possible. For the furniture, we used a mix of vintage and new pieces, including some chairs from my grandmother.

What makes your accommodation truly special on a personal level? Are there any particular memories or moments that make it dear to you?

Georg: For me, it’s been a lesson in patience and timing. I signed the contract even before seeing the property myself, but it was exactly as I had imagined. The atmosphere is unique, very different from Greece or Spain, and it evokes memories of a simpler, more relaxed way of living.

Alessandro: For me, the accommodation provides a sense of peace and quiet every time I’m there. Whether you're inside or lying in the plunge pool on the upper terrace, the serene silence is a welcome break from the busy city life.

How would you describe the ambiance and interior of your accommodation?

Georg: The house radiates calm and brightness. The high vaulted ceilings and the view from the windows create a unique atmosphere. We chose a mix of vintage and modern furniture to keep the decor simple and timeless. From the roof, you have a stunning view of the church and the surrounding landscape, especially at sunrise.

Alessandro: The outdoor dining area right next to the kitchen is my favorite spot. It’s an intimate terrace where you can see both the sky and the church, a perfect place to relax and enjoy the tranquility.

What makes the location of your accommodation unique and special?

Alessandro: Neviano, where the Palazzo is located, represents the essence of Puglia: a quiet village where life moves slowly and peacefully. Since there aren’t many hotels here, you’ll get an authentic experience and truly feel like a local resident.

Are there any sustainable or environmentally friendly practices associated with your accommodation that you’re proud of?

Alessandro: During the renovation, we used several local building techniques and materials. For example, we applied cocciopesto, an ancient waterproof coating, on the bathroom floors and walls.

What motivated or inspired you to rent out your accommodation to guests?

Alessandro & Georg: We want to share the joy of slow living in Salento and give others the chance to experience what it’s like to stay in such a beautiful historic building.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect during a stay at your accommodation?

Alessandro: You start your day by opening the windows and feeling the silence of the surroundings. After a cup of coffee on the outdoor terrace, you can relax in the reading room by the fireplace or enjoy the view of the church. In the evening, you can stroll through the village and meet the locals, chatting outside.

In what ways does your accommodation stand out from others? What are the unique features or qualities that make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?

Georg: The entire palazzo is yours, and it’s located in the center of the village. The rooftop, with the small pool and the view over the church, is truly unparalleled.

Can you share the best compliments you've received from a guest?

Not applicable yet.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their vacation? Your valuable tips will be featured on the page of your accommodation!

Sights to see: Lecce, Gallipoli, Galatina, and Nardò are all within 20 minutes and absolutely worth visiting. Where to eat: Some of our favorite restaurants are La Vinaigrette, LA Lampara Fishlab, and Trattoria La Puritate. For wine tasting, we recommend Cantina Coppola in Gallipoli. Beaches: Some of our favorite beaches are Lido Punta della Suina and Porto Selvaggio.