Salento Dwellings: The Mediterranean Dream

A photo book dedicated to the elegant residences of Salento, the southern area of Puglia that has become one of the most sought-after destinations internationally.

Lower Salento, the so-called “heel of Italy,” is a verdant plain south of Lecce overlooking two seas, the Adriatic and the Ionian. The area is strongly characterized by its territory and its color palette: the greens of the Mediterranean scrub and olive groves, the red earth, the warm shades of limestone, the dazzling white of the walls painted in lime, the intense blue of the sea, and the light of the south that envelops everything.

In recent years, Salento has been discovered by an international public that understands its uniqueness and has chosen it as an ideal place for a retreat. Rural houses and old buildings have been carefully restored and transformed into private homes of great beauty.

This book selects some of the most elegant and original of these: farms and historic buildings that differ in terms of their age, style, and taste, but all of which are imbued with the Mediterranean charm of that preserved corner of Puglia.

All the homes have been freshly photographed by Filippo Bamberghi, with views and decorative details of the houses and glimpses of the surrounding landscape.

A text by journalist Patrizia Piccinini, based on interviews with the owners of the houses, recounts the history of the buildings, the genesis of the projects, and the bond between the owners and the territory.

About The Author

An internationally acclaimed designer and creative director known for her cross disciplinary approach, Luciana Di Virgilio is the founder of the Di Virgilio Veneziano studio. She works at the intersection of design, art, and visual storytelling, creating projects that connect memory and innovation. Selected by Interni Mondadori as one of the most promising designers on the international scene, she was also included among the protagonists of the XXI Triennale di Milano. Her signature can be found on editorial projects, exhibitions, and architectural restorations. A contributor to international publications, she has curated columns for radio and television, exploring design as a cultural language. Her work reflects a refined, timeless aesthetic in which tradition blends with a contemporary vision of living spaces. 

Filippo Bamberghi is a Milan-based architecture, interiors, and portrait photographer. His editorial client list includes Vogue Living Australia, Vogue America, Vogue Japan, and Casa Vogue Brasil.