Castello di Ugento - Image 1
1 / 10

Ugento Castle

4.5
·232 reviews·Ugento, Italy

A 13th-century castle transformed into a chic boutique hotel, offering luxury, history, art, and exceptional dining in Puglia.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Castello di Ugento - Image 1

Ugento Castle

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 13th-century castle transformed into a chic boutique hotel, offering luxury, history, art, and exceptional dining in Puglia.

4.5
(232 reviews)

"An unforgettable stay in a stunning castle, full of history, charm, and breathtaking views of Puglia."

Vertical photo
TIP

✨ Book Your Stay Early

This popular castle hotel fills up fast! Secure your dates months in advance, especially for peak season.

🎨 Explore Ceiling Art

Don't miss the incredible frescoes! Ask staff for a guided tour to learn their history.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Architecture

Medieval Architecture

Throughout the castle

Step back in time within this 13th-century fortress, now a chic hotel blending history with modern luxury.

Restored Frescoes

Restored Frescoes

Castle interiors

Marvel at the stunning, historically significant paintings adorning the ceilings, brought to life by knowledgeable staff.

Culinary Institute & Dining

Culinary Institute & Dining

Il Temponeuovo Restaurant

Savor exceptional seasonal dishes at the Michelin-mentioned restaurant or hone your skills at the in-house cookery school.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for a Royal Stay

Castello di Ugento is a sought-after boutique hotel and culinary institute. Booking well in advance is crucial, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred dates and avoid disappointment. Consider the hotel's unique offerings like cooking classes when planning your visit.

Embrace the Tranquil Pace

Ugento is a charming, quiet town, perfect for a relaxing escape. While the castle offers luxury, the surrounding area is serene. If you're seeking vibrant nightlife, you might want to explore nearby coastal towns, though Ugento provides a peaceful base for exploring Puglia.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Romantic ambiance, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Lettini, sedie sdraio, ombrelloni spazzati via dalla furia del vento. Sei secondi di tempesta sufficienti per devastare il lido Malibu a Torre San Giovanni, marina di Ugento. Le telecamere di videosorveglianza dello stabilimento hanno ripreso la violenza della tromba d’aria che ha lasciato la devastazione dopo le raffiche di vento superiori ai 100 km/h. “I danni sono piuttosto ingenti", è lo sfogo...
@la.repubblica
15K likes • 415.6K views

✨ Book Your Stay Early

This popular castle hotel fills up fast! Secure your dates months in advance, especially for peak season. Instagram

🎨 Explore Ceiling Art

Don't miss the incredible frescoes! Ask staff for a guided tour to learn their history. Reddit

Sarà Bello, Bellissimo, Travolgente…SALENTO! Torre Mozza (Marina di Ugento).☀️🇮🇹#puglia #salento #salentoaffittoevendo #tik_tok #mare #fyp #yourpage #neiperteee #viral_video #perte
@tommasomassaro84
6.8K likes • 290.7K views
Stepped back in time at the stunning Castello Di Ugento, a 13th-century castle transformed into a chic boutique hotel and culinary institute. From exploring its medieval charm to savoring every bite, Puglia served up the perfect mix of history, luxury, and flavor. ✨🍝 #Italy #Puglia #CastelloDiUgento #LuxuryTravel #traveltips #solotravel
yourgaybigbro
236 likes • 6.8K views

🍽️ Michelin-Starred Dining

Experience exceptional cuisine at Il Temponeuovo, a restaurant recognized by the Michelin guide. Instagram

🚗 Quiet Town Charm

Ugento is peaceful. Enjoy the tranquility or use it as a base for exploring Puglia's coast. Instagram

📸Ricordando una piacevole 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 all’interno del meraviglioso @castellodiugento ✨Vieni a scoprire il 𝑺𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒂 𝒅𝒆𝒊 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒊 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒊 𝒅𝒊 𝑼𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒐 . Per informazioni e prenotazioni: museo@comune.ugento.le.it 0833555819 #sistemadeibeniculturalicittàdiugento #castellodiugento #sistemadeibeniculturaliugento #museiitaliani #italianart #castle #visitaguidata #beniculturali
sistemabeniculturaliugento
57 likes • 1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

✨ Book Your Stay Early

This popular castle hotel fills up fast! Secure your dates months in advance, especially for peak season. Instagram

🎨 Explore Ceiling Art

Don't miss the incredible frescoes! Ask staff for a guided tour to learn their history. Reddit

🍽️ Michelin-Starred Dining

Experience exceptional cuisine at Il Temponeuovo, a restaurant recognized by the Michelin guide. Instagram

🚗 Quiet Town Charm

Ugento is peaceful. Enjoy the tranquility or use it as a base for exploring Puglia's coast. Instagram

🍳 Learn to Cook

Take advantage of the on-site culinary institute for a unique, hands-on Italian cooking experience. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(232 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Castello di Ugento is lauded for its stunning historical ambiance, exceptional service, and outstanding dining. Guests frequently praise the beautifully decorated rooms, the captivating ceiling frescoes, and the attentive staff who go above and beyond. However, a few reviews mention issues with management professionalism and slow refund processes, contrasting with the otherwise positive experiences.

"Location:
The hotel is located right in the heart of the old town of Ugento, making it ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings.

Service:
The service was excellent, and the staff were extremely helpful and attentive.

Food & Drinks:
We had dinner at the hotel and the food was outstanding. Breakfast was also very good, with plenty of choice and quality.

Rooms:
The rooms are top-notch and truly unique. Ours was beautifully decorated and very comfortable.

Facilities:
The garden is a wonderful place to relax. A special highlight are the paintings on the ceilings—staff are happy to guide you through them and explain their history. Very impressive.

Summary:
A truly wonderful hotel with exceptional staff who genuinely care for their guests. Grazie mille!"

T. Graf

"We loved our stay at the Castello di Ugento. They had the most comfortable beds of all the places to stay during our road trip around Puglia, and an absolutely delicious breakfast. I found the staff willing to go above and beyond to make our stay a 10+.

Be ready to relax and/or bring your own fun. The town of Ugento is very charming and very quiet, at least that was our experience. We loved the recommendations they gave us, especially arranging a boat tour of the caves around Sta. Maria de Leuca."

Marci Symington

"We had an absolutely unforgettable stay at Castello di Ugento! From the moment we arrived, the team made us feel completely at home with their warm hospitality and attention to every detail. The castle itself is stunning — full of history, charm, and breathtaking views of Puglia.

Our room was beautifully decorated and comfortable, and the gardens and common areas are perfect for relaxing. The dining experiences were exceptional, from the carefully prepared seasonal menus to the thoughtful presentation and flavors.

Every staff member we encountered went above and beyond to make our stay special, helping us explore the region, arranging activities, and always with a smile.

If you’re looking for a luxurious, authentic, and magical stay in Puglia, Castello di Ugento is the place to be. We can’t wait to return!"

Rachel Finley

What People Like

Stunning historical ambiance
Exceptional staff hospitality
Beautifully decorated rooms

What People Dislike

Management professionalism issues
Slow refund process

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The closest major airport is Brindisi (BDS). From Brindisi, you can rent a car (approx. 1.5-hour drive) or take a train to Lecce and then a bus or taxi to Ugento. Taxis are readily available at the airport for a more direct, though pricier, option. TikTok

While Ugento is served by buses, especially from Lecce, having a car is highly recommended for exploring the wider Puglia region and reaching the castle comfortably. Instagram

Ugento town is small and charming, perfect for walking. The castle is centrally located, making it easy to stroll through the historic center on foot. Instagram

Yes, parking is generally available for guests. It's advisable to confirm parking arrangements when booking your stay, especially if arriving by car. Instagram

The nearest train station is in Lecce. From Lecce, you'll need to take a local bus or taxi to reach Ugento. The journey from Lecce to Ugento by bus can take around 1-1.5 hours. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Castello di Ugento primarily functions as a boutique hotel and culinary institute. Entry to explore the castle's common areas and museum is typically included for hotel guests. Day visitors may need to inquire about specific tour or museum access. Instagram+1

The museum hours can vary. It's best to check the official website or contact the castle directly for the most up-to-date information on museum opening times and any associated entry fees. Instagram

Yes, the restaurant Il Temponeuovo is open to the public. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to ensure you get a table. Instagram

Yes, guided tours are often available, particularly focusing on the historical aspects and the stunning ceiling frescoes. Inquire at the hotel reception for tour schedules and availability. Reddit

While the castle is a hotel, there is a museum within the complex. Access to the museum typically involves a fee, and hotel guests usually have access to certain areas as part of their stay. Instagram

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

The restored frescoes on the ceilings are a major highlight, offering a glimpse into the castle's rich history. The museum and the beautifully decorated rooms also provide a unique experience. InstagramReddit

Rooms are uniquely decorated, blending historical charm with modern comfort. Expect elegant furnishings and a luxurious atmosphere, making each stay feel special. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The castle boasts a renowned culinary institute offering cooking classes, and its restaurant, Il Temponeuovo, is a gastronomic delight. Instagram+1

The atmosphere is one of refined elegance and historical immersion. It's a place to relax, enjoy fine dining, and appreciate art and history in a luxurious setting. Instagram+1

Yes, the castle's architecture, art, and surrounding landscapes offer numerous stunning photo opportunities. Capture the medieval charm and artistic details. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The restaurant, Il Temponeuovo, offers exceptional seasonal Puglian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. It has received recognition from the Michelin guide. InstagramReddit

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as it's a popular dining destination and the hotel's restaurant. Instagram

Yes, breakfast is typically included for guests staying at Castello di Ugento and is known for its quality and variety. Reddit

Ugento town offers a few local trattorias and cafes for a more casual dining experience. However, the castle's restaurant is a standout. Instagram

It's advisable to inform the restaurant in advance about any dietary restrictions or allergies when making your reservation, and they will do their best to accommodate. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on the grand halls with their stunning ceiling frescoes, elegant courtyards, and beautifully decorated rooms. The 'secret room' is also a unique photo opportunity. Instagram+1

Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and private properties like hotels. It's essential to check local regulations and obtain explicit permission before flying a drone. Instagram

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for exterior shots. Inside, the lighting can be atmospheric at any time, but consider the natural light sources. Instagram

Photography rules can vary within museum sections. It's best to look for signage or ask staff if photography is permitted, especially without flash. Instagram

The intricate frescoes, ornate ceilings, stone archways, and the blend of medieval and contemporary art create visually rich opportunities for photographers. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Castello di Ugento offers a luxurious experience, it can be a unique adventure for families. The castle's historical setting and the 'secret room' can spark children's imaginations. The gardens provide a space for them to explore. However, it's important to note that the focus is on a tranquil, sophisticated atmosphere, so keeping noise levels down is key. Consider booking a family suite for more space. Instagram

For dining, the Michelin-recognized restaurant offers high-quality dishes, and it's worth inquiring if they have a children's menu or can adapt dishes. The culinary institute might offer family-friendly cooking sessions, which could be a fun and educational activity. If you plan to explore the surrounding area, a car is essential for easier family travel. Instagram+1

💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways

Castello di Ugento is an idyllic destination for couples seeking a romantic escape. The ambiance of a historic castle, combined with luxurious accommodations and fine dining, creates an unforgettable setting. Enjoy intimate dinners at Il Temponeuovo, perhaps followed by a stroll through the beautifully lit gardens. Instagram+1

Consider booking a room with a view and take advantage of the castle's serene atmosphere for quality time together. The historical frescoes and art add a touch of culture to your romantic retreat. Exploring the charming town of Ugento hand-in-hand or arranging a private boat tour of the nearby coast can further enhance the romantic experience. InstagramReddit

✈️ Solo Travelers

For solo travelers, Castello di Ugento offers a safe, luxurious, and culturally enriching experience. It's a chance to immerse yourself in history and art at your own pace. The guided tours of the frescoes can be particularly engaging for solo exploration, providing context and stories. InstagramReddit

The culinary institute offers a fantastic opportunity to meet others and learn a new skill, making it a great way to connect if desired. The peaceful town of Ugento provides a relaxing environment to unwind, read, or simply enjoy the local atmosphere. The attentive staff ensure you feel welcomed and well-cared for throughout your stay. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Royal Retreat: Staying at Castello di Ugento

Castello di Ugento is more than just a historical site; it's a luxurious boutique hotel that offers a truly unique accommodation experience. Transformed from a 13th-century castle, it seamlessly blends its medieval heritage with contemporary sophistication. Guests rave about the beautifully decorated rooms, often described as 'top-notch' and 'truly unique,' providing a comfortable and elegant stay. The staff's warm hospitality and attentiveness are frequently highlighted, making visitors feel genuinely cared for. InstagramReddit+1

The hotel's common areas, including its gardens, are perfect for relaxation. A standout feature is the collection of restored frescoes adorning the ceilings. The hotel staff are often happy to provide guided tours, explaining the history and significance of these artworks, which adds a deeply enriching layer to the stay. This attention to historical detail, combined with modern amenities, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. InstagramReddit

For those seeking an immersive culinary experience, the castle houses the Il Temponeuovo restaurant, recognized by the Michelin guide, and a culinary institute. This offers guests the chance to savor exquisite Puglian cuisine or even learn traditional cooking techniques. The overall experience is one of luxury, history, and authentic Italian charm, making it a highly recommended destination for a special getaway. Instagram+1

The Art and History Within the Walls

The Castello di Ugento is a treasure trove of history and art, offering visitors a journey through centuries of Puglian heritage. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle has been meticulously restored, preserving its medieval character while incorporating modern artistic touches. The most striking artistic elements are the restored frescoes found on the ceilings throughout the castle. These vibrant artworks are not just decorative; they tell stories and offer insights into the castle's past. InstagramReddit

Visitors often express awe at the quality and preservation of these frescoes. The hotel staff play a crucial role in enhancing this experience by offering guided explanations of the art's historical context and symbolism. This makes exploring the castle a deeply educational and engaging activity. Beyond the frescoes, the castle's architecture itself, with its stone walls and grand halls, speaks volumes about its historical significance. InstagramReddit

The castle also houses a museum, which further delves into the region's history and culture. This combination of architectural grandeur, preserved art, and curated exhibits makes Castello di Ugento a significant cultural landmark. It's a place where history is not just observed but felt, offering a profound connection to the past for every visitor. Instagram+1

You may also like