Palazzo Zimara Boutique Hotel Review
The best single-property case for Lecce as a Puglia base. Heritage architecture, individual rooms, restaurant and wine bar on site.
Overview: What is Palazzo Zimara Boutique Hotel?
Palazzo Zimara occupies a 1557 Baroque palace on Via Giuseppe Libertini, one of Lecce's main thoroughfares. The building was originally home to doctor and philosopher Teofilo Zimara and later passed through the Guerra and Sellitto families. Francesco Sellitto, the last family owner, was mayor of Lecce from 1963 to 1967. The palace was the setting for Ferzan Ozpetek's award-winning film "Mine Vaganti." Architect Raffaele Centonze led the restoration, preserving the late-Baroque bones while carving in 18 guest rooms, a restaurant, a wine bar, a private courtyard, and a gym.
Where is Palazzo Zimara Boutique Hotel? Location and access
Via Giuseppe Libertini is inside Lecce's historic center, a 6-minute walk from Piazza Sant'Oronzo. Lecce train station is about 0.6 km. Brindisi-Salento Airport is 25 miles (a 40-minute drive).
Nearby landmarks
- Piazza Sant'Oronzo
- Lecce Cathedral
- Basilica of Santa Croce
- Lecce Roman Amphitheatre
- Porta San Biagio
Rooms at Palazzo Zimara Boutique Hotel
18 rooms, each with a unique layout shaped by the original architecture. Soundproofed windows, minibar, coffee and tea facilities, and flat-screen TVs. Grand Suite category includes balconies and city views.
Service and staff
Small and attentive. The concierge team (Davide and others frequently mentioned in guest reviews) is known for above-and-beyond handling of difficult situations.
Amenities at Palazzo Zimara Boutique Hotel
On-site restaurant and wine bar, fitness center, private courtyard, hot tub, garden. Bikes, room service, concierge, paid airport shuttle. Private parking.
Full amenity list
- On-site restaurant
- Wine bar
- Private courtyard
- Fitness center
- Garden
- Hot tub
- Free bikes
- Private parking
- Airport shuttle (paid)
Food and drink
The hotel restaurant offers Italian cuisine with an Puglia-forward menu. Continental breakfast is served daily. Colonial Cafe Drinks sits around the corner for additional variety.
Design and architecture
Late-Baroque Lecce architecture preserved with careful restoration. The Teresian coat of arms remains on the original portal (the hotel emblem). Centonze's work carries through the stone staircases, vaulted ceilings, and courtyard without over-polishing.
Pros and cons
What stands out
- 1557 Baroque palace with preserved architecture
- One of 40 protected late-Baroque palaces in Lecce
- Movie-set provenance (Mine Vaganti)
- Central historic-center location
- Restaurant and wine bar on site
What falls short
- No pool
- Car access is restricted in the historic center
- Breakfast service can be slow
Fun facts about Palazzo Zimara Boutique Hotel
- Built in 1557 as the home of doctor and Renaissance philosopher Teofilo Zimara.
- Later owned by the Guerra and Sellitto families; Francesco Sellitto served as mayor of Lecce from 1963 to 1967.
- Served as the primary filming location for Ferzan Ozpetek's award-winning film "Mine Vaganti."
- One of 40 protected late-Baroque palaces in Lecce.
- Part of the D'Angelo Family Collection, alongside Villa Mojana on Lake Como and Palazzotto Residence in Matera.
Is Palazzo Zimara Boutique Hotel worth it? The final verdict
The right Lecce base. If you are doing masseria life in the Valle d'Itria, you still need somewhere to spend a night in a city; Palazzo Zimara is that place.
Frequently asked questions about Palazzo Zimara Boutique Hotel
Is Palazzo Zimara worth it?
Yes for travelers who want a city-center Puglia base in a genuine 16th-century palace. The scale (18 rooms) and restoration quality put it at the top of the Lecce market.
Where is Palazzo Zimara located?
Via Giuseppe Libertini 44, in the historic center of Lecce, a 6-minute walk from Piazza Sant'Oronzo.
What is the star rating?
Five stars, part of the D'Angelo Family Collection.
How do I contact Palazzo Zimara?
Through the contact form at palazzozimara.it. Address: Via Giuseppe Libertini 44, 73100 Lecce, Italy.