A 19th-century residence
Villa Raffaella was built in the second half of the 19th century as the summer residence of Baroness Raffaella, of the Lubelli family, after whom it is named.
These were the years when Santa Cesarea Terme, overlooking the Adriatic between Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca, was becoming a holiday and spa resort, thanks to its thermal waters, known since ancient times. Elegant villas rose along the coast, and Villa Raffaella is one of the most fascinating.
The villa was designed by Emilio Corti, a Milanese architect and engineer, who also designed the building that houses the Santa Cesarea thermal baths.
Corti chose an eclectic style that blends Gothic, Moorish and Romantic details. The façade alternates projecting sections and open spaces, with a large balustrade supported by arches on columns. It is crowned by the octagonal turret, softened by floral motifs, together with the panoramic terrace overlooking the sea.
Across the threshold, you enter an octagonal hall. From here a staircase leads to the first floor, where spacious rooms open up beneath vaulted ceilings decorated with stucco.
Bright, refined interiors that still preserve the atmosphere of a late 19th-century noble residence.
Tradition has it that the villa was a wedding gift to Baroness Raffaella. At the entrance, inlaid in the floor, you can still read the Latin words “DOMUS TUA HAEC”: this is your home.
On the ground floor there is a small chapel, with the words “Ave Maria” above the entrance and a painting of the Virgin Mary. It is said that whoever lights a candle there, entrusting themselves to Our Lady, will find true love. No wonder that, still today, so many couples choose Villa Raffaella for their wedding day.
Today Villa Raffaella is a charming historic residence with 17 rooms, many with sea views. It welcomes travellers, families and couples looking for the charm of a historic house just steps from the sea and the Santa Cesarea thermal baths, in the heart of Salento.