Le Sei Conche AN ANCIENT HISTORY

A home from other times, quiet and peaceful in Gemini, just outside Ugento. A small street, via Chiesa, which leads to square Regina Elena, surrounded by the town's symbolic monuments: the menhir, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, next to the bishop's palace and Palazzo Macrì, once owned by the Gigli family, dating back to the 16th century, with a beautiful 18th century portal, surmounted by a finely decorated balustrade. A history starting centuries ago is in the air: from Byzantine fortification to Roman occupation, from the period of maximum development in the 16th century, when it became a refuge for bishops fleeing from Ugento which was being assaulted by the Turks, to the 18th century, when the Church of St. Francis was built.

Le Sei Conche is perfect for those who love history, ancient stones and the flavour of the past. Over 200 years old, it is one of the few houses in the village that has not been altered since its construction. There are clear traces of its origin, with plaques and inscriptions engraved on the imposing walls: the old stable and the barn date back to the beginning of the 19th century, the house itself to 1881 and the vaulted ceiling on the terrace to the beginning of the 20th century. The old farmhouse on three levels - consisting of four rooms with traditional Salento vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, alcoves, stable, barn and cellar - has been restored by the Engineering and Architecture Studio Patrizia D'Ambrosio and Luca Piro, who respected the original materials and techniques, the historical-environmental landscape and the local culture.

The typical Salento architecture, has remained, but its size and proportions have been remodelled, reinterpreted in a contemporary fashion: a simple, essential style that maintains tradition, but reinvents it using original objects and furnishings. The name was inspired by the basement, entirely excavated from the rock, which was once used to store food, bottle wine and keep olive oil: along one of the walls there are six hollow alcoves, where the "capase" (characteristic terracotta amphorae) containing food supplies or wine barrels, were placed. Hence the idea of calling Le Sei Conche.

Breakfast FLAVOURS OF THE PAST

Wake up to the delicious aroma of coffee and pastries. No need to rush, with a “good morning” designed to give you energy and vitality. From the sweet and savoury breakfast with cakes and tarts, oven biscuits and traditional sweet pastries, bread and jam, "friselline" topped with extra virgin olive oil and cherry tomatoes, farmhouse cheeses and fresh fruit.

From the lobby, a staircase leads to the basement, where a cosy open space opens into the former cellar carved from the rock. Warm in winter and cool in summer, intimate and cosy, with barrel vaulting, a living area with sofa and TV, kitchen corner, shelves where the buffet is set out and tables.
This is a place where you can also relax with a tea or an aperitif prepared with the tasty products of Salento.
Otherwise, you can opt for the inner courtyard and panoramic terraces, perhaps at sunset.

En plein air REGENERATING PLACES

In an enchanting setting, in the original garden of the bishop's palace, there is a beautiful swimming pool protected on three sides by whitewashed walls, with climbing hedges and aromatic herb flowerbeds. Surrounded by floors made from Pietra di Soleto, chaise longues and parasols. It is ideal for cooling off or sunbathing.

Beyond the front door there is a large courtyard with a pergola, an old cistern and iron tables and chairs overlooking the pool, through two arches. This is a peaceful corner surrounded by green, where you can relax, have an aperitif, converse or simply lounge about.

The terraces on several levels are equipped with parasols, tables, sofas and flower vases, offering a panoramic view over the rooftops of the village: an excellent solarium during the day and a place where you can take refuge at sunset to read a book, listen to music, have a drink and relax.

The typical Salento light shines on the courtyard and terraces, changing during the course of the day, from dawn to dusk: it is reflected on the lime walls and the "chianche" of the courtyard and terraces; it brings out the colours of the geraniums and flowers enriching the outdoor spaces. The light can be blinding or enveloping, but always exciting.

For those who love walks in the open air and excursions in the countryside to discover caves, churches and farms along panoramic paved or dirt roads assisted bicycles are available for our guests. You will be immersed in Mediterranean vegetation between dry-stone walls and pajarus (traditional houses) of the Serre di Ugento.

In a few minutes you can reach the historic centre of the ancient Messapian town and visit places of great interest, such as the New Archaeological Museum in the former Franciscan Convent of Ugento with Messapian exhibits or the crypt of the Crucifix, a 12th century rupestrian church painted with frescoes.

Alternatively, you can reach the sea by crossing the pinewood, walking along the paths by the canals and surrounding the wetland basins, part of the Regional Natural Coastal Park of Ugento to go birdwatching and then have a swim in the blue Ionian Sea, lulled by the sea breeze. The sea caresses the sand dunes, the centuries-old pines provide shade, the cicadas sing relentlessly and at sunset the sun goes down into the water, colouring the sky with orange: this is the magic of the most beautiful part of Salento.

Our guests can use the parasols and sunbeds at the partner beaches.

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