On the top floor of a 17th century palazzo in the beautiful historic town of Monopoli, a fully renovated, elegant yet cozy two-bedroom apartment with a well-appointed bathroom (jacuzzi bathtub), fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher) and seaviews from every room sleeps four people comfortably (five with an extra bed put in). Luxuriously decorated with the owner’s inherited Italian designer furniture and other items acquired through a lifetime of collecting, the Casa dei Pensieri offers its residents easy access to a 170-square-meter rooftop-terrasse with breathtaking views of the historic centre and the beautiful Apulian coastline. Weekly cleaning and change of towels and bedlinen will be part of a wonderfully relaxing holiday experience. If you wish to eat in and don’t feel like cooking, the occasional or regular home-delivery of freshly prepared local delicacies can easily be arranged.

I am a former university lecturer in Italian language, culture and philosophy now sharing my time between Berlin and Monopoli after years spent in Rome, Oxford and Heidelberg. For me, Monopoli is a perfect place to relax, study, enjoy life and spend time with my friends, all of whom have fallen in love with the city and Apulia. Art, philosophy, culture, design and shiatsu are amongst my passions

A five-minute-walk through charming old streets will take you to the Porta Vecchia beach near the antique city wall with crystal clear water perfect for a morning or afternoon swim. Afterwards, you can shop for fabulous local produce at the farmers’ market, explore the city and its storied surroundings (an experienced private guide can be booked), or eat out in one of the many family-owned Trattorie serving delicious Apulian cuisine, one of the best in Italy. If you wish to improve your Italian or learn more about Italian culture, private lessons are available with an Italian university lecturer fluent in English and German. Watch a spectacular sunset from the rooftop terrasse before stepping out for dinner or enjoy a glass or two of wine.