A history of noble hospitality

A Palace built in the eighteenth century

A history of hospitality spanning over three centuries. Patria Palace’s vocation has always been to offer its Guests moments to treasure and memorable experiences.

The elegant and proud image of the Patria Palace was born in the eighteenth century, when the marquises D’Anna-Petrarolo chose the center of Lecce and the style of Mauro Manieri, to build their noble residence.

A City of a Thousand Faces

Lecce: Roman, Jewish, and Baroque

Lecce is a city shaped by centuries of history, where different eras and dominations have left an extraordinary cultural legacy. Founded as Lupiae in Roman times, it thrived as a commercial and cultural hub, enriched by a vibrant Jewish community during the Middle Ages. The 17th century saw its artistic pinnacle with the rise of Leccese Baroque, a breathtaking explosion of golden stone decorations that still enchant visitors today.
At the heart of Lecce, Patria Palace embodies centuries of history, art, and hospitality. A place where past and present blend in perfect harmony, celebrating the timeless art of welcoming.

The Palace and the Petrarolo D’Anna Family

A Legacy of Nobility

The palace that now houses Patria Palace was built in the 18th century by Mauro Manieri, a master of Leccese Baroque, in a truly prestigious location—right across from the Basilica of Santa Croce, the finest artistic expression of the city.
Once the residence of the Petrarolo D’Anna family, this marchional palace belonged to an illustrious Neapolitan noble house with a rich cultural heritage. As descendants of the humanist poet Jacopo Sannazaro, the Petrarolo D’Anna played an active role in the intellectual life of the Kingdom of Naples. Their prominence is even recorded in Boccaccio’s early work, La caccia di Diana, where three ladies of the D’Anna family are mentioned, a testament to their esteemed status.
By the late 18th century, the family had settled in Lecce, becoming an integral part of the city's cultural and social life, leaving a lasting legacy that still echoes today.

Patria Palace today preserves all this, the richness of Baroque, the refinement of the noble residence, the spirit of hospitality of the innkeepers, the ability to renew the Italian style and the desire of discovery of all travelers with whom it shares moments to treasure in Lecce.

From Noble Residence to Prestigious Hotel

A Palace with a Timeless Soul

Through the centuries, the palace has undergone remarkable transformations, yet its essence has always remained rooted in hospitality. Once an aristocratic residence, it later became an orphanage and eventually the city’s first inn. With the Unification of Italy, it was renamed Locanda Patria, a tribute to the newly unified nation.
Its evolution continued, and in 1997, the palace became Puglia’s first five-star hotel, a benchmark of luxury hospitality in Salento.
Today, Patria Palace is a symbol of refined elegance, where history and modernity intertwine in perfect harmony. A place where time stands still, and every detail tells a story—etched in the intricate carvings of Lecce stone, reflected in the graceful curves of Art Nouveau, and reimagined through the vision of contemporary designers. Here, every stay is more than just a moment; it is an experience to be cherished.