Casa Taralli, a vacation apartment in Monopoli's Old Town, Puglia

The Savory Side of Monopoli

Tucked within the labyrinthine streets of Monopoli’s Old Town, Casa Taralli is named for the ubiquitous Apulian fennel-laced cracker, symbolizing the "crunch" and flavor of local life. The renovation respects the building's structural integrity, allowing the heavy limestone masonry to take center stage while inserting a layer of contemporary comfort. It is a refuge designed not just for sleeping, but for feeling the pulse of the city—where the sounds of the neighborhood drift up to the balcony and the sea is just a short walk away.

Its defining feature is the continuous barrel vault (volta a botte) that stretches from the kitchen through to the bedroom, creating a cavernous yet airy atmosphere. The design mimics the circular shape of a tarallo—endless and enveloping—using a palette of cool whites and natural woods to bounce light around the historic stone shell.

The kitchen-living area is equipped with an induction cooktop, dishwasher, and a dining table for three, stocked with Italian cookbooks to inspire market-fresh meals. A smart TV and sofa anchor the lounge space. The bedroom features a king bed (180x200 cm) situated under the curve of the vault. The bathroom design is unconventional and practical, split into two separate rooms, one housing the shower and sink, the other dedicated to the toilet.

The apartment's balcony overlooks the narrow "vicolo" (alley) below, serving as a private box seat for the daily theater of Monopoli life—from the morning delivery carts to the evening passeggiata. It is the perfect spot for a morning espresso or an evening glass of Primitivo.

What we love

We love how massive stone barrel vaults turn a compact apartment into such a cool, sophisticated space that feels both historic and totally fresh. Being right in the heart of Monopoli’s old town lets you truly live the local life, starting your day with an espresso and watching the street life from the balcony. Naming it after Taralli is perfect. Much like the snack, this place is a simple, addictive Apulian classic that you just can't get enough of.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Monopoli sleeps up to two guests (plus one infant). The apartment is located on the first floor (accessed via stairs). The entrance opens into the main living and dining vault. The flow continues into the bedroom area. The bathroom facilities are divided into two distinct spaces adjacent to the sleeping quarters.

Experiences

The apartment provides a guide to the best local bakeries (panifici) where guests can hunt for the freshest taralli and focaccia. The owners have stocked the kitchen with specific cookware to encourage trying local recipes.

Good to know

The apartment is located in a traffic-restricted zone (ZTL). Parking is available outside the old town walls, approximately a 10-minute walk away. Access to the apartment is via a flight of stairs, making it unsuitable for those with limited mobility. The bathroom is split (toilet separate from shower). Fly screens are installed on windows.

Amenities

Air conditioning, wifi, smart TV, dishwasher, induction cooktop, Bialetti espresso maker, hairdryer, beach towels provided, balcony, heating

Around

Monopoli is a thriving, year-round town where working fishing boats bob alongside visiting yachts. The apartment is minutes on foot from the Carlo V Castle and the sea walls. The sandy cove of Cala Porta Vecchia is a short walk away. Polignano a Mare, famous for its cliff diving, is a 15-minute drive north. The trulli-filled Valle d'Itria (Alberobello, Locorotondo) can be reached in 30 minutes by car. Bari airport is approximately 45 minutes away.