“From the moment I set foot on the property, I felt the need to restore it’s soul. In the process, it restored mine.” — Paul Cappelli
Restoration. Renewal.
When we first discovered Villa Cappelli while visiting family in nearby Terlizzi, it was little more than a collection of broken stones and overgrown walls. Most would have walked away — but we couldn’t. Something about its spirit, its history, and its quiet dignity called to us.
We spent years bringing this forgotten place back to life — stone by stone, arch by arch. Today, Villa Cappelli isn’t just our home; it’s a haven for travelers — a place where you can live, breathe, and feel the soul of southern Italy.
Paul passed away in 2020, but his dream — and the spirit of hospitality he loved so deeply — lives on. I’m honored to continue welcoming guests from all over the world to the villa we built together, sharing the joy, beauty, and warmth that he poured into every detail.
When you stay here, you’re not just visiting a place — you’re stepping into a legacy of love, craftsmanship, and the belief that true beauty should be shared.
Thousands of Years of Stories. Now add your own.
No one knows exactly when Villa Cappelli first came to life. Historians believe the gardens may have begun as a 13th-century monastic orchard, with the earliest stone buildings dating to the 12th century. Later additions in the 1600s added new grace and elegance — the arches and vaulted ceilings that still stand today. During restoration, we uncovered a carved Knights Templar cross and a window with Templar symbols — a quiet reminder of the devotion and passage that have shaped this place for centuries.
Beneath the garden lies something even older: a mysterious, irregularly shaped grotto, believed to be a pre-Christian Ipogeum once used for ancient rituals. And because the villa sits directly on the Via Appia Traiana, Roman legions, Crusaders, saints, and pilgrims have been traveling past its gates since 115 AD.
Today: The Perfect Blend of History, Luxury, and Comfort
Enclosed by 18-foot-high stone walls and surrounded by a half-acre monastic garden of citrus, rosemary, and lavender, the villa hums with quiet history — not as something distant, but as something you can feel.
Though centuries old, Villa Cappelli has been lovingly restored for modern comfort. From air conditioning and free Wi-Fi to a Roman-inspired pool and fully equipped kitchen, everything is designed to make your stay effortless and unforgettable.
Here, you can slow down and savor every sunset over the olive groves, every shared meal in the loggia, and every glass of wine by the pool — continuing the story that began here nearly a thousand years ago.
Come to Relax.
Leave Restored.
Villa Cappelli has transformed our lives — and it has a way of transforming those who visit.Come see why. Write your own chapter in a story that began centuries ago and continues to unfold, every day, here at Villa Cappelli.