[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1581159801853{padding-right: 6.7% !important;}” el_class=”paragon_slide single_room”][vc_column][eltdf_image_gallery type=”slider” enable_image_shadow=”no” space_between_items=”huge” slider_loop=”no” slider_autoplay=”no” slider_padding=”no” slider_navigation=”yes” slider_pagination=”no” slider_pagination_names=”no” custom_class=”paragon_suite_gallery” images=”5205″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”paragon_suite”][vc_column][eltdf_section_title type=”standard” position=”” title_tag=”h2″ disable_break_words=”no” custom_class=”paragon_title pascale_ulrike” title=”Restoration”][vc_column_text el_class=”paragon_title pascale_ulrike”]Uncovering the mysteries of a building
The timeline is still a bit blurry, but Maria Buongiorno, the conservator in charge of bringing to light the former glory of the building, is certain that the architecture of the Palazzo is multi-secular. The most ancient parts seem to date back to the 1700s. There are fireplaces, stone vaults, but also frescoes, like the magnificent “Jesus and the Samaritan” that are clearly from that period. During the restoration, a wood door with peepholes typical of 17th-century cloisters has also been discovered. This treasure, as well as the many religious frescoes, suggest that Palazzo Rosso once housed a convent.
Later, it apparently fell into the hands of Neapolitans. Several clues point to the new owners being from Naples, starting with the beautiful original majolica tiles which have been brought to new life in our Bar 700. On the back of some of those tiles, Maria found an M stamp, the brand of a famous workshop owned by the three Massa brothers, ceramics masters of early 18th century Naples. Another clue is the colour of the building: This shade called Pompeii Red was named after the famous lost city because it was commonly found on residences as well as on the famous ruins. In the 18th century, right after the fabulous re-discovery of Pompeii, this particular red became a fashionable status symbol since the pigment was the most expensive on the market. Cladding an entire façade in Pompeii Red was, therefore, an ostentatious display of wealth and even more so amongst the white buildings of Ostuni.
The removal of several layers of green and brown paint from the inside walls uncovered beautiful neo-classical frescoes of the 18th and 19th centuries. In those days, religious representations were not in fashion anymore. In their stead, mythological beasts, playful dragons and gryphons cavort along with the friezes on our walls. It is there that we found the cute dragon that became our iconic logo.
At the turn of the 17th century, Puglia developed many public green spaces, and the team at Paragon 700 paid tribute to this by beautifully preserving the Palazzo’s extraordinary private garden, blending classic features with an urban twist. Once a symbol of wealth and leisure, the garden today lies protected behind high stone walls, enhanced by two rows of stunning Roman-style columns. The beautiful Mediterranean garden is full of surprises with an enchanting orange grove discoverable for those who know where to look. Divided by rustic stone walls, the rare green oasis in the heart of the city is simultaneously private and welcoming.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”gallery_rooms”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1612872386389{background-image: url(https://paragon700.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/DSC9602-1024×683-copy.jpg?id=10946) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”paragon_title”]
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