Casa dei Pensieri: stunning seaviews, luxurious comforts
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, fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, water purifier, kettle) 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 (whose cost amounts to 70 € for the first week and 50 € per each week following) 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.
The owner rents out also an elegantly furnished, recently renovated studio for up to three people with separate kitchenette and small bathroom in the ground floor of the same palazzo. The studio opens up on the historic piazza Palmieri, the magnificent baroque palazzo of the same name and the 17th century Santa Teresa church. A combined rental is possible.
Due to the flights of steps necessary to reach the apartment and the absence of an elevator, this accommodation is unsuitable for people with mobility issues.
The wi-fi connection is capped at 15 GB per week (from Sunday to the next one); once this limit is reached web navigation is no longer available until the following Sunday.
The apartment is cleaned after each guest’s departure or weekly in case of longer stays. The cost of this service, which is not optional, is 70 € for the first week (7 nights or less) and 50 € for each subsequent week, to be paid cash at the check-in. After booking you will be emailed 2 documents: 'General house rules' and 'Holiday rental contract'. Please read them in advance and sign them at the check-in. You will also be required to sign an inventory and report any issues within 24 hours. The contract will mention the cleaning fee and security deposit for possible damages to property. Please allow 40 minutes for check-out.
Guests are expected to carry out garbage recycling, by moving the dedicated bins and bags from the apartment to the front door downstairs (and back) on the correct days of the week. A guide for recycling will be furnished.
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C'è una caparra di 400 euro per tutelare i tanti oggetti di valore presenti nella proprietà
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is no smoke detector on the property
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number BA07203091000024054, IT072030C200062629
We should mention
All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Monopoli
Located in Centro Storico, a neighbourhood in Monopoli, this apartment is near theme parks and near the beach. The Trulli of Alberobello and Castle of Carlo V are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Zoosafari and Salviamo San Salvatore. Acquapark Egnazia and Astronomical Observatory Sirio are also worth visiting. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and cave exploring nearby.
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Mary of Madia - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Cala Porta Vecchia Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
Cala Porto Rosso Beach - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Getting around
Monopoli Station - 15 min walk
Bari (BRI-Karol Wojtyla) - 48 min drive
Restaurants
Calamari & Liquori - 2 min walk
The King - 2 min walk
Carlo Quinto - 2 min walk
No 24 Bar A Vin - 2 min walk
Atipico - 2 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Casa dei Pensieri: stunning seaviews, luxurious comforts pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Casa dei Pensieri: stunning seaviews, luxurious comforts?
As of 31 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Casa dei Pensieri: stunning seaviews, luxurious comforts on 31 Dec 2026 start from AU$256, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at Casa dei Pensieri: stunning seaviews, luxurious comforts?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Casa dei Pensieri: stunning seaviews, luxurious comforts?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Casa dei Pensieri: stunning seaviews, luxurious comforts located?
Located in Centro Storico, this apartment building is steps away from Palazzo Palmieri, Salviamo San Salvatore and Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio detta del Purgatorio. Castle of Carlo V and Cala Porta Vecchia Beach are also within 5 minutes. Monopoli Station is 15 minutes by foot.
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We spent an enjoyable 6 nights at Casa dei Pensieri. The location was excellent, in the middle of the old town but still very quiet and private. The roof top terrace was magnificent for pre-dinner drinks. The property managers Katia and Mario were very responsive and happy to answer any questions we had.
Best location in Monopoli. Charming, bright, romantic apartment next to best restaurant in Monopoli. Management/owner is attentive and caring. Will be returning for sure!
Ted G.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May 2022
Thank you very much!
We are glad that you appreciated our location and you enjoyed your stay.
It was a pleasure to host you and we look forward to welcoming you again!
The place was as beautiful as promised and well-located to see the town and get easily to other locations (with tour guide or with a good map). We were warned of the MANY steps but we forged on and only once did we decide it was too much, so we stayed in (but we did go up and enjoy the rooftop).
Thanks for the assistance when needed and for providing such a clean and well-prepared home-away-from-home.
We had a great stay at this property.
The apartment is cosy and comfortable.
The location is very central and the square is beautiful. We were lucky with the parking (free) but it’s 15min walk and we didn’t mind.
As it’s in the middle of historic centre, it gets really crowded in the evening on the streets nearby and very lively. So be prepared.
Overall it was a nice stay in Monopoli.
Apartment was fantastic. Vrbo need to highlight need for cash deposit as not detailed anywhere.. this point would have put me off as I was 2!days away from finishing my holiday. Air conditioning did not work and needs servicing . Detailed list at check in is off putting and does not reflect contents held in flat. That said welcome was good and nothing to complain about the lady who checked us out today. She was lovely
Sue F.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Lisa C.
20 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy
The location is excellent.The rooftop terrace has stunning views.The 3 A/C units and WiFi worked well.Water pressure was great.Check in and out went smoothly.BUT... this property is neither luxurious nor comfortable.The main photo is very deceiving.Upon checking in, we had to sign a four page itinerary, with euro value of many items stated. The 1500 euro "antique linen curtains" were threadbare and had holes. The living room furniture was very uncomfortable. The "day bed 1950's Dutch designer, 2500 euros" was torture to sit on. The "reclining sofa in old English linen 1860, 1500 euros" was comfortable but had strips of exposed foam in the crevices, a loose arm and was covered in a white sheet. The one chair in the living room was uncomfortable after five minutes.Because the living room was so uncomfortable, we spent lots of time on the rooftop terrace. This was steps away from the apartment, which is on the top floor, so 73 steps each way.The beds were uncomfortable. We tossed and turned more often than we slept well.The second bedroom does not have A/C or a door. No effort was made to make us feel welcome. Kitchen and bathroom amenities were minimal. The refrigerator had a strong fishy smell. We had to buy several items that a thoughtful host would have provided. The local host often simply ignored our questions on the message app.Communication between owner and local host was poor. He did not know an extra guest was added or that cleaning had been paid for.
Pay attention to the carefully crafted owners description of this wonderful property and you will not be disappointed in any way.
There is no lift/elevator, there are 91 steps to go up/down.
The terrace is available to all 6 apartments in the building.
The cleaning fee payable on checkin does not cover any cleaning during your stay.
The municipality charges a bed tax of 1 euro per person per night which is payable in cash upon checkin.
You will need cash to pay the security deposit, cleaning fee and bed tax. We stayed for two weeks so we needed to arrive with a total of 500 euros cash.
The owner does not live on site but employs an excellent local property manager.
Having said all this, the property is wonderful… well equipped with a very comfortable bed, nice linens and towels, dishwasher, clothes washer, central location in the Centro Storico with walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and beaches.
We loved our two week stay with the built in fitness program. The terrace views are breathtaking!
The windows provide great ventilation and complete noise reduction. There was a big film festival in the Piazza Palmieri and we were not troubled at all.
Ellen G.
Stayed 15 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2023
Thank you .
We are trying to do our best and we are happy you liked the place
We just have one question:
The informations you have reported are present in the description and the rules of the flat.
May be they were not so clear!
Thank you anyyway for coming
Bel emplacement au centre de l’ancienne ville. Appartement assez spacieux meublé avec de beaux objets. Un second lit double aurait été apprécié. Wifi performant.
problème avec la propriétaire caution payer en liquide non récupérée. désaccord sur la responsabilité d un placard défectueux . pas de porte de sdb et WC . porte placard de sdb faisant office de. une seule chambre digne de ce nom pour un appartement dit de luxe. l autre pièce de nuit composée d un lit d appoint peu confortable .
nous avons été accusé de dégradation par négligence. état des lieux rapide et irréprochable a la sortie par le responsable et néanmoins accusation sur Watsapp a posteriori de dégradation d un vase. nous louons souvent et c est la première fois que nous rencontrons un problème et que nous faisons face a une mauvaise foi.
on reviendra a Monopoli pour la beauté de l endroit mais sûrement pas dans ce lieu
frederic d.
Stayed 11 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 June 2024
During the guests' stay, the door of the bathroom wall cabinet was unhinged. At check-in it was in perfect condition .
The agency was informed of the incident with a note , we also have photos from which it is clear that the cabinet was mistaken for a door. The bathroom has an anteroom with two doors so it is not true that it does not have a door.
The photos on the site are clear and accurate .
And the guests who chose the flat thought it was lovely until the damage was done.
We would have expected an apology.
The deposit, which is in fact a damage deposit, was used to pay for the repairs we were forced to make over the weekend, proven by the invoice also sent to the guests.
We repeat: we would have expected an apology.
Die Lage ist ein Traum - mitten in der Altstadt, nur 3 Minuten zu Fuß zum Stadtstrand, perfekt für Ausflüge in die Umgebung. Eli war unser Kontakt und sie war einfach perfekt - nett, hilfsbereit und immer ansprechbar.
Lediglich die 72 Stufen waren mit schwerem Gepäck ein wenig anstrengend zu erklimmen ;-)
Die geräumige Wohnung liegt im obersten Stock eines schönen alten Hauses an der Piazza Palmieri mit Blick auf den gleichnamigen Palazzo am höchsten Punkt der autofreien Altstadt. Man ist mittendrin und trotzdem für sich, in jedem Fenster zeigt sich irgendwo das Meer zwischen den alten Häusern. Sie ist sehr geschmackvoll umgebaut und eingerichtet, man findet also nicht das übliche lieblose Ferienwohnungs-Ambiente vor, sondern fühlt sich mehr wie in der Wohnung von italienischen Freunden und genießt auch die Zeit, die man in der Wohnung verbringt… die Krönung ist das Aperitiv auf der Dachterrasse mit 360-Grad-Blick über Meer, Stadt und Landschaft.
Soggiorno gradevole, host sollecita alle richieste, casa suggestiva come da descrizione. Non si arriva vicino con la macchina che va parcheggiata all’esterno del centro storico.
A lovely, spacious apartment in a stunning location, with two restaurants in the square below and everything else just a short walk away. Generally very well equipped, although there would not be sufficient crockery for 5 people.
chöne Wohnung in super Lage in der Altstadt, die Ausstattung der Wohnung mit Tellern etc. könnte etwas besser sein...
Jürgen S.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2019
About the host
Hosted by Teresa Z
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