The location Chiostro dei Domenicani is one of the structures I have most enjoyed during my experience as a wedding photographer in Apulia. I have gathered all the most important information so you can learn more about the history, the structure and answer the most frequently asked questions about the villa. Enjoy your reading!
Chiostro dei Domenicani: the history
The splendid Chiostro dei Domenicani is an ancient structure located along the road to San Pietro in Lama, Lecce, within the gentle Salento countryside. The historical complex, founded by the preaching friars of Saint Dominic in the first half of the 15th century, was built next to a small pre-existing chapel. The property is also known as the Convent of San Domenico outside the Walls.
The Dominicans had inhabited Salento since the 11th century, becoming increasingly influential and numerous in the following centuries. For this reason, it was Pope Eugene V who issued a papal bull dedicated to them in 1442, officially establishing the convent. In the decades that followed, the structure gained notoriety.
The attached crypt was the destination of numerous pilgrimages, as it was rumoured that some miracles had occurred inside. Legend has it that a stone cannonball, after breaking through the roof, stopped right at the foot of the altar without causing any damage.
In 2000, the Chiostro dei Domenicani, now in a state of decay, was placed under the protection of the Superintendent. Since 2018, thanks to a record investment of over 3 million euros, the complex has finally been completely renovated and transformed into a luxury relais by the Memmo family.
Today, the property is open for exclusive receptions and boasts a high-quality restaurant. In addition to weddings, the Cloister hosts conferences and meetings, with the possibility of staying in its historic rooms.
Chiostro dei Domenicani: the perfect setting for a luxurious wedding
The historic Chiostro dei Domenicani is a truly unique structure, where its fortunate guests will feel transported to past eras. Inside, the 15th-century elements gracefully merge with modern comforts, creating a truly evocative atmosphere. For this reason, the complex is now suitable for organizing exclusive and personality-filled weddings.
Majestic and elegant, the cloister is protected by high walls, providing privacy and intimacy to events organized here. Upon entering this small fortress, you and your guests will be catapulted into an oasis of peace, where you can celebrate your most beautiful day in grand style. From a classic wedding to a more trendy and Instagrammable one, the structure will elegantly adapt to the style chosen by the couple.
The Chiostro dei Domenicani houses numerous spaces where you can organize your event. On sweet summer days, the beautiful courtyard inside the cloister will be adorned with pristine tables and golden lights, giving you the romantic and glamorous wedding you have always dreamed of.
With minimal and refined lines, this space can also be used to celebrate the solemn ceremony on-site and capture fairy-tale shots. From here, the newlyweds can easily access the porticos, perfect for more traditional and chic cocktails and buffets.
The indoor halls, on the other hand, are designed in a minimal style, with luxury elements standing out against the white rock walls. These are more harmonious and refined spaces, ideal for serving a truly exclusive banquet. Intimate and extremely welcoming, they will be the perfect choice for the most demanding couples, looking for a princely setting.
The Chiostro dei Domenicani is truly an enchanted place where we are confident you will have an unforgettable experience. It will be impossible for you and your guests not to fall madly in love with this fairy-tale location.
Chiostro dei Domenicani: the structure of the venue
The elegant Chiostro dei Domenicani is one of the most elegant and majestic wedding venues in Salento, with an extension of over 10,000 square meters. Built in full fifteenth-century style, the property stands out for its harmonious and clean lines. Inside, there is now a luxurious relais and the Gimmi restaurant, supervised by the renowned chef Donato Episcopo. Beyond its high walls, visitors will find numerous spaces where they can set up their wedding.
The highlight of the Chiostro dei Domenicani is undoubtedly its airy inner courtyard, where a well-kept garden is located. This area can accommodate up to 500 people in the summer and can be used by the newlyweds for both the banquet and the on-site celebration of the ceremony. Overlooking the courtyard is a spacious terrace and a long portico, where you can admire numerous frescoes and stuccoes. Bounded by tall columns, this space is usually used for buffets and cocktails, offering shelter from the sun on the hottest days.
Walking along the arcades, it is then possible to access the large indoor halls at the Chiostro dei Domenicani, also available to the newlyweds and their guests. In particular, couples can choose to celebrate their most beautiful day inside two large halls, both characterized by white stone walls and suggestive barrel vaults. Under these, there is also a historic frescoed crypt, where it is still possible to celebrate the religious ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chiostro dei Domenicani
- Where is the Chiostro dei Domenicani located? The Chiostro dei Domenicani is located along the road to San Pietro in Lama, Lecce.
- Can I celebrate my wedding inside the Chiostro dei Domenicani? Of course. You can organize the civil ceremony, the photo shoot, and the reception inside the garden of the structure, the porticos, and all the adjacent spaces.
- Is there a restaurant inside the Chiostro dei Domenicani? The Chiostro dei Domenicani has a renowned internal catering service. The kitchen is supervised by Donato Episcopo, the executive chef of the Gimmi restaurant. Therefore, the structure does not allow external catering.
- What events can be celebrated in the Chiostro dei Domenicani? Inside the Chiostro dei Domenicani, you can organize your most important events. The structure is open to weddings and private parties. You can also organize your meetings and corporate events.
- Can the Chiostro dei Domenicani host business meetings? Certainly. The Chiostro dei Domenicani makes its rooms and well-kept garden available for the organization of events and conventions. The structure is equipped with the best technologies and every comfort.
- Can I stay inside the Chiostro dei Domenicani? The Chiostro dei Domenicani is first and foremost a renowned relais. Inside, you will find eighteen rooms, where the newlyweds and their guests can stay or simply get ready before the event.
Whatever location you choose for your wedding photos in Apulia, don't forget to count on the right wedding photographer.
He will capture the emotions of that day and turn them into memories you will cherish forever.
If you're looking for a wedding photographer in Apulia, or are still considering wedding venues, take a look at our wedding photography galleries.
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CIAO! è UN PIACERE CONOSCERTI, SONO
MATTEO
E SONO UN FOTOGRAFO
DI MATRIMONI
Oltre a essere un fotografo di matrimoni, sono un marito (fortunato!) e un papà (superfortunato!).
Amo le scodinzolate piene di felicità e le fusa nella penombra della sera, perciò nella nostra famiglia ci sono anche due meravigliose pelose, Ottavia e Nova.
Adoro il profumo dei boschi dove tutto è così selvaggio, dove puoi recuperare le connessioni profonde con la natura. Allo stesso modo amo l'unico mezzo che ti permette di restare fortemente connesso al mondo che ti circonda, la moto.
Io e mia moglie Giulia abbiamo attraversato l'Europa fino ad arrivare a Capo Nord, dove abbiamo lasciato un pezzo del nostro cuore.
