Shaded courtyards, whitewashed walls, secret gardens - each home in Salento tells a quiet, heartfelt story of place
Far from the crowded beaches and away from the spotlight of mass tourism, there’s another Salento - one that breathes in silence. Among endless olive groves, dry-stone walls, and peaceful courtyards, the southernmost part of the region reveals a different rhythm. Here, homes are more than buildings; they are living expressions of light, simplicity, and character. You’ll find historic palazzi, old farmhouses (masserie), village houses, and rural buildings transformed into bright, welcoming spaces. These are the homes featured in “Dimore del Salento. Segni mediterranei” (Ed. Rizzoli), curated by Luciana Di Virgilio, with photography by Filippo Bamberghi and a foreword by actress Helen Mirren.
© Filippo Bamberghi
The selected residences span different eras and styles, yet they all share one essential trait: a deep dialogue with the land. Limestone, the dazzling white of limewash, the red earth, and Mediterranean vegetation shape both the materials and the atmosphere. Whether it’s a grand masseria or a small village retreat, each home reflects a strong connection to its landscape, climate, and local culture.
The interiors - captured with great sensitivity - exude a quiet elegance. Natural materials, soft colors, essential forms, and spaces designed to welcome and breathe. And above all, light: filtering through arched windows, bouncing off whitewashed walls, gently touching rough surfaces and everyday objects turned into details of style. Inner courtyards and lush gardens extend the homes outward, becoming open-air rooms where time seems suspended.
© Filippo Bamberghi
Each home has its own voice, its own soul. Journalist Patrizia Piccinini collected their stories through conversations with the owners - artists, creatives, and passionate individuals who chose to restore and revive these places with care and respect. These homes are not mere backdrops; they are lived-in spaces, full of personality, where every object holds a memory and every design choice comes from emotion. Rustic furniture sits alongside contemporary details, handcrafted textiles meet design pieces—without ever betraying the identity of the place. To complete the book, drawings by Gianni Veneziano offer a visual interpretation of the Salento landscape - graphic elements that echo the essence of the architecture. These are the “Mediterranean signs” that give the book its title: poetic icons of a land that speaks through stone, light, and silence.
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