Minor Hotels has announced plans to open a new Tivoli Hotels & Resorts property in the historic heart of Lecce, southern Italy, expanding its presence in one of the country’s most in-demand travel destinations. The Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce is scheduled to open in April 2026 following a full renovation, adding a new five-star option to the fast-growing Puglia region.
Located on Via Imperatore Augusto, between Piazza Sant’Oronzo and Piazzetta Santa Chiara, the 45-room hotel will combine contemporary design with the city’s distinctive Baroque architecture. The opening marks Minor Hotels’ latest expansion in Italy, bringing its total portfolio in the country to 60 properties and reinforcing Tivoli’s growth across Europe.
New Luxury Destination in Lecce’s Historic Centre
The Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce will feature a restaurant on the ground floor and a rooftop lounge bar offering panoramic views of the Cathedral Bell Tower. The hotel will also include a wellness area with a pool, Turkish bath, treatment rooms, and a fully equipped gym. Surrounded by golden sandstone buildings, lively piazzas, and cafés, guests will be able to experience Lecce’s culture and heritage in a central, walkable location.
The property sits within easy reach of major landmarks such as the Roman Amphitheatre in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the Basilica di Santa Croce, and Lecce Cathedral. Beautiful beaches are around 20 minutes away by car, while Brindisi Airport can be reached in approximately 35 minutes. The city is also connected by high-speed rail to Rome, Milan, and other major Italian hubs, positioning the hotel as a convenient base for domestic and international travelers.
Gonzalo Aguilar, CEO of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, said the new project will elevate Lecce’s hospitality offering while reflecting Tivoli’s signature character. “We are thrilled to announce this new Tivoli property in collaboration with Gest Resort. With this latest addition, the Minor Hotels portfolio will reach a total of 60 properties in Italy. Set in a truly distinctive location and showcasing a unique style, this hotel will elevate the luxury hospitality offering in Lecce. It seamlessly blends Tivoli’s rich heritage and savoir-faire with the essence of an authentic Puglian escape,” said Aguilar.
Partnership to Strengthen Local Hospitality
The hotel is being developed in partnership with Gest Resort, which oversees the renovation and future operation of the property. Marisa Bleve, head of Gest Resort, said the collaboration aims to redefine local hospitality standards. “We are excited to collaborate with one of the luxury brands from a leading player like Minor Hotels, sharing the ambition to elevate this exceptional property into a landmark destination. Our goal is to attract new visitors to the city while simultaneously reshaping the local hospitality landscape,” said Bleve.
The Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce will join Tivoli’s growing European portfolio, which now includes properties in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands. The brand, founded in 1933 in Lisbon, has built a reputation for blending luxury and culture across its destinations, with recent additions such as Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia and Tivoli Estela Golf & Lodges in northern Portugal.
Minor Hotels’ investment in Lecce reflects Puglia’s rising profile as a global travel hotspot. Known for its coastal landscapes, olive groves, and architectural heritage, the region has experienced steady tourism growth over the past decade. The arrival of a new Tivoli hotel is expected to strengthen Lecce’s position as a high-end destination within southern Italy’s tourism economy.
The opening of the Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce in April 2026 will add to Minor Hotels’ expanding footprint across Europe, where the group continues to target cities with strong cultural appeal and long-term tourism potential. The new property is set to become a cornerstone of Tivoli’s Italian portfolio, offering travelers an immersive experience that combines local authenticity with the brand’s established standards of service and design.
