Patria Palace Hotel Lecce

A palace opposite Santa Croce

The Patria Palace occupies an 18th-century palace on Piazzetta Riccardi, in the heart of Lecce's historic centre, right next to the Basilica of Santa Croce. It was the residence of the noble Petrarolo D'Anna family, then an orphanage and then the city's first inn; after Italian unification it was renamed Locanda Patria. In 1997 it became the first five-star hotel in Apulia. Today it is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Inside it mixes Lecce stone, Art Nouveau details and contemporary design furniture. It is the option for a treat in the city: you walk out the door and in two minutes you are in front of the Salento's most famous Baroque facade.

The rooms

There are nine types of room, from 24 m² to 60 m², all with marble bathroom:

• Superior and Design Deluxe, of 24 and 26 m², facing inwards.
• Deluxe Barocco View, of 24 m², with a view of Santa Croce: ask for this one if you want to wake up facing the basilica.
• Deluxe with terrace, of 25 m², with a private terrace over the city.
• Junior suites of 34 and 35 m²; the Santa Croce Junior Suite has a double view of the basilica and a bathtub.
• Ernesto Barba and Tito Schipa Suites, of 55 and 60 m², with a terrace.
• Terrace Suite, of 45 m², with a large private terrace with a hydromassage tub and views of the city and Santa Croce.

Eating, spa and services

The restaurant Atenze has a terrace, and the Sira rooftop is a bar with Santa Croce so close it feels as if you could touch it. The Idume spa is beneath stone vaults, with a sauna. There is a gym open 24 hours, laundry and private transfers for a supplement, which are requested at the concierge.

Arriving by car

The hotel is inside the limited-traffic zone of the centre: on arrival, give your number plate at reception. The hotel advises putting Viale Felice Cavallotti into the satnav and following its directions from there. A valet leaves your car in a private garage for €35 a day; electric car charging costs €15 a day. From here you are about 45 minutes from Otranto and Gallipoli.