Salento, ItalyUgento
Castello di Ugento Hotel
Aristocratic Baroque castle
Aristocratic Baroque castle
This seventeenth-century fortress runs like a family estate, where guests live among restored baroque frescoes and open stone courtyards.
“Everything about the place feels grand, from the 18th-century aromatic garden outside to the lofted ceilings and 17th-century frescoes of the salons inside.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A restored seventeenth-century castle reveals baroque frescoes and excavated Norman tower foundations.
Notable
Star-vaulted limestone ceilings contrast with contemporary Italian furniture and bespoke walnut cabinetry.
Notable
The Puglia Culinary Centre and walled kitchen garden anchor cooking classes in Salento gastronomy.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
a medieval castle on a hilltop, lovingly (and lavishly) restored into a high-end hotel, a cooking school, and something of a dream house
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Quiet stone lanes lead from the castle gates through historic Ugento, winding gently toward the town cathedral.
The rooms
Suites sit beneath star-vaulted limestone ceilings, finished with custom Canaletto walnut cabinetry and crisp Italian linens.
Restaurant
Il Tempo Nuovo
Glass floor panels look down into excavated Norman ruins. Outside, tables sit under umbrellas across the cobblestone courtyard.
How it began
The d'Amore family acquired the fortress in 1643, leaving it empty for decades until a descendant returned to revive it.
Salento
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.