Puglia Special: La Fiermontina Hotel Spotlight
In the heart of Lecce’s baroque splendour lies a property that blends art, architecture, and authenticity like few others can. La Fiermontina, a refined urban retreat nestled within the city’s historic walls, offers a soulful alternative to the typical luxury hotel. With its understated elegance and deep local roots, this family-owned property is one of Puglia’s most treasured secrets.
A Hotel to Love
Housed within a 17th-century noble residence, La Fiermontina honours its past without being confined by it. Original stone walls and vaulted ceilings recall Lecce’s architectural legacy, while contemporary artworks, curated by the Fiermonte family, create a dialogue between old and new. Every detail — from the restored materials to the bespoke lighting — has been designed to evoke a sense of serenity and quiet sophistication.
The Perfect Location
Centrally located in Lecce, La Fiermontina allows guests to walk to the city’s iconic landmarks — from the Basilica di Santa Croce to Piazza del Duomo — while remaining tucked away on a peaceful street. The train station is just a short ride away, making day trips to the Adriatic or Ionian coasts easily accessible.
Rooms That Feel like Home
The 19 rooms and suites at La Fiermontina are designed with thoughtful restraint. Clean lines, natural tones, and subtle luxury characterise the interiors, allowing the original features of the building — such as exposed pietra leccese stone — to shine. Some rooms open directly onto private gardens or terraces, others feature soaking tubs or fireplaces, but all provide a peaceful refuge from the city’s rhythm.
Experiences Rooted In Place
La Fiermontina goes beyond hospitality. The property is closely tied to the Fiermonte family’s cultural foundation, which supports local art, history, and social impact projects. Guests are invited to participate in curated experiences such as cooking classes, olive oil tastings, and private tours of Lecce's hidden chapels and artisan studios.
In summer, the sister property La Fiermontina Ocean in nearby Santa Maria di Leuca offers beachside stays, while the Fiermontina Farm invites guests to slow down amidst centuries-old olive trees and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Where to Eat: Our Local Favourites
The onsite restaurant, Mamma Elvira Cucina, brings an elevated take on traditional Salento cuisine, with local ingredients and an extensive natural wine list. Expect handmade orecchiette, seasonal vegetables from nearby farms, and the warm hospitality that defines southern Italy. Here are some additional local favourites:
Tabisca
📍 Via Guglielmo Paladini, Lecce
Known for its mastery of grilled meats and wood-fired cooking, Tabisca is a carnivore’s delight with a rustic-chic atmosphere. Here, fire and flavour take centre stage, and the wine list leans heavily into southern Italian varietals.
What to order: The grilled Fiorentina steak is the house signature. Pair it with roasted vegetables and the homemade focaccia.
Where to sit: Ask for a table in the back courtyard when weather permits — it’s quieter and feels like a private dinner.
Booking tip: Perfect for a long dinner with friends — book around 8:30pm for the best ambiance.
L’Arte dei Sapori – Regional Cuisine, Refined
📍 Piazzetta Giosuè Carducci, Lecce
This intimate spot blends Salento tradition with contemporary flair. L’Arte del Sapore prides itself on slow cooking and beautifully plated dishes that pay homage to the land and sea of Puglia.
What to order: Try the handmade orecchiette with turnip tops and anchovies or the seafood-stuffed zucchini flowers.
Where to sit: The inner room is cosy in cooler months, but the patio is magical in the evening.
Booking tip: Go midweek for a quieter, more personalised experience.
Hostaria Areté – Creative Tasting in a Minimalist Setting
📍 Vico dei Sotterranei, Lecce
Modern, elegant, and quietly ambitious, Areté is Lecce’s answer to contemporary fine dining. Expect a pared-down space with seasonal tasting menus that reflect the chef’s playful and precise approach to flavours.
What to order: The tasting menu changes often — but expect smoked fish, foraged herbs, and inventive textures.
Where to sit: Opt for the chef’s counter if available — a front-row seat to the creative process.
Booking tip: Limited tables. Book early and request the wine pairing for the full experience.
Primo – Elevated Local, Big on Flavour
📍 Viale Otranto, Lecce
Stylish yet relaxed, Primo is ideal for those who want high-quality regional food without the fuss. The focus is on refined seafood dishes, natural wines, and warm service.
What to order: Go for the crudo platter to start, followed by the risotto with local shellfish. Their desserts are unexpectedly brilliant — don’t skip them.
Why Stay Here?
For travellers seeking substance over spectacle, La Fiermontina offers something rare: luxury with roots. It’s a place where stories matter, where design and heritage coexist, and where every stay feels both personal and purposeful.
📍 Looking to stay somewhere with meaning this summer? La Fiermontina invites you to experience Lecce — not just as a destination, but as a way of life.