Grotta Palazzese, hotel in Polignano a Mare, Italy
Grotta Palazzese is a hotel and restaurant built into a natural sea cave carved into the white cliffs of Polignano a Mare, in Puglia. The property has rooms overlooking the water, a dining area set inside the cave itself, and a private beach at the base of the cliffs below.
The cave was used for banquets and festivities in the 18th century, as shown in a watercolor by Jean Louis Desprez dated 1783. It gradually changed from an occasional gathering spot into a permanent hotel and restaurant over the following centuries.
The name "Palazzese" comes from the word for palace, a reference to the grand gatherings once held inside the cave. Today, the dining terrace sits directly above the sea, and meals are served with the sound of waves coming up from below.
The property sits in the center of Polignano a Mare, reachable on foot through the old town's narrow lanes. Getting down to the private beach requires using steps cut into the rock, so comfortable footwear is a good idea.
The private beach has small changing structures made from natural materials called Tuculs, open enough that you can hear the sea while inside them. This detail comes from an African architectural tradition and sits at the foot of the same white cliffs that define the whole property.
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