THE CHIOSTRO DEI DOMENICANI: A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
In the land of traditional masserie and noble palaces, Il Chiostro dei Domenicani in Lecce stands out as a truly unique destination for hospitality and events. This imposing complex, built from local Lecce stone in the 15th century, preserves a timeless beauty and the rarefied atmosphere of the former Dominican friary. A magnificent colonnade surrounding the cloister, frescoes, spacious halls, an evocative crypt, former monastic cells transformed into comfortable guest rooms, and the light of the South dancing across the stone to create ever-changing scenes throughout the seasons and at different times of day: this is what awaits visitors as they step through the entrance to this remarkable residence.
Il Chiostro dei Domenicani is the ideal choice for those wishing to discover Lecce and Salento while staying in a place steeped in art and history. The boutique hotel features eighteen rooms, spread between the main building and the terraces. The furnishings reflect the genius loci through their colours, volumes and shapes, creating an atmosphere of harmony and balance. Art lovers will also appreciate the works by local and international artists displayed throughout the property. Il Chiostro dei Domenicani has launched a series of projects designed to promote innovative cultural initiatives—including exhibitions, performances and book presentations—opening its doors not only to hotel guests but also to the local community.
The property features an outdoor swimming pool and Gimmi, its fine-dining restaurant led by Chef Donato Episcopo, which reinterprets the culinary traditions of Puglia through a contemporary lens. Thanks to an established network of local partners, the hotel offers a range of additional experiences and services, including massages, yoga classes, winery and olive mill visits, partnerships with beach clubs, and cycling and boat excursions.
The hotel has also created a pocket-sized guide to Lecce, featuring shopping tips and experiences for curious travellers. Its carefully curated selection of recommended activities showcases the finest expressions of local craftsmanship, food and wine, culture and fashion, inviting visitors to discover the authentic side of the region beyond the usual tourist trail.
From Il Chiostro dei Domenicani, every destination is within easy reach. Lecce’s most important monuments are just minutes away, while the main transport routes are conveniently located nearby, providing easy access to the Salento peninsula’s most renowned towns and destinations.
GIMMI RESTAURANT
Gimmi Restaurant, the fine-dining restaurant at Il Chiostro dei Domenicani in Lecce, is a welcoming space where guests can leave the pace of everyday life behind and immerse themselves in an intriguing culinary experience.
Executive Chef Donato Episcopo presents a menu shaped by seasonality and his own culinary vision, always placing the local territory at its heart. Catering to the tastes of both local and international guests, his dishes express the Mediterranean identity of the region through an exceptional selection of ingredients. From freshly caught fish to vegetables, the kitchen favours seasonal produce sourced from carefully selected suppliers, lending distinctive character to every creation.
The chef’s cuisine, however, cannot simply be described as “traditional”. Each recipe is the result of an extensive and carefully considered process of creativity and research, incorporating unexpected ingredients and preparations that reflect Episcopo’s rich professional background.
The restaurant offers an extensive wine list, complemented by the expertise of sommelier Ilaria De Filippis, who is on hand to recommend the perfect pairings.
Guests are welcomed into the dining room by Restaurant Manager Alessandro Passagrilli, where the Salento spirit is reflected in the smallest details of the service. The welcome appetisers are presented on a stand crafted from the iron discs traditionally used to cut Lecce stone. A wooden ring inspired by the traditional frame of the tamburello, the drum associated with the region’s lively pizzica dance, holds homemade focaccia, taralli and breadsticks. The petit fours are served on a locally crafted ceramic paddle shaped like a prickly pear leaf, specially commissioned at the chef’s request.
DONATO EPISCOPO
After completing his studies at hospitality school, Donato Episcopo devoted himself wholeheartedly to building his professional career, first working alongside leading figures in haute cuisine, including Heinz Beck at La Pergola in Rome.
He subsequently took on independent roles as Executive Chef at Marennà, the restaurant of Feudi di San Gregorio; Casa del Nonno 13 in Sant’Eustachio, in the province of Salerno; the five-star luxury Hotel Risorgimento in Lecce; and Ristorante La Corte in Follina, which holds a Michelin star.
The Gimmi project represented an irresistible challenge for Episcopo, giving him the opportunity to create the restaurant from the ground up, establish his own distinctive identity and freely express his personal culinary philosophy.
Gimmi Restaurant serves dinner only, Monday to Friday, throughout the year.
Seasonal closure: January–February 2027.
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