The location Cala dei Balcani is one of the structures I have most enjoyed during my experience as a wedding photographer in Apulia. I have gathered all the most important information so you can learn more about the history, the structure and answer the most frequently asked questions about the villa. Enjoy your reading!
Cala dei Balcani: the history
The elegant Cala dei Balcani is situated along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, in the town of Santa Cesarea Terme, in the province of Lecce. Owned by the Urso family since 2003, the property features a historic defensive tower, first documented in the 1500s.
Probably built between the 15th and 16th centuries, the Tower of Monte Saracino was constructed under the Aragonese rule. They commissioned numerous defensive towers across the region to counter Turkish invasions following the sack of Otranto. The tower served as a sentinel until the 18th century and was later purchased by a member of the wealthy Ciullo family.
After passing to the Urso family, an extensive restoration project of the entire structure began. Completed in 2013, these interventions preserved the tower and two adjacent rooms. Thanks to the dedication of Mrs. Maria Cristina, Cala dei Balcani became one of the most important event venues on the Adriatic coast. Today, the property is managed by Francesco Urso, continuing the path of perfecting the estate.
Cala dei Balcani: the perfect setting for a modern and refined wedding
The splendid Cala dei Balcani is a place where nature and history elegantly merge. Meticulously curated, the complex is the perfect venue to celebrate trendy and refined weddings, captivating the eyes of your guests with wonder.
Cala dei Balcani, with its privileged location on the bay of Santa Cesarea Terme, offers bucolic and romantic views, perfect for hosting the most important moments. In the shadow of the historic Tower of Monte Saracino, you can organize a scenic symbolic ceremony and a lively welcome drink.
The beautiful garden embracing Cala dei Balcani will then be the stage for glamorous and refined receptions. Versatile and full of attractions, it will perfectly adapt to every type of wedding, from the most traditional to the trendiest. With the help of the complex's staff, including a skilled wedding planner, realizing your dreams will be even easier. Music, decoration, banqueting – you won't have to worry about a thing!
In addition to its panoramic outdoor spaces, Cala dei Balcani offers the most elegant indoor halls in its farmhouse. With sober and refined lines, these halls will impeccably welcome even the most classic and chic weddings. Cala dei Balcani is truly a dream location, a breathtaking backdrop in which to celebrate your most beautiful day. If you are looking for a venue with clean lines that nod to the latest trends, we are confident you will not be disappointed.
Cala dei Balcani: the structure of the venue
Cala dei Balcani is a vast property full of attractions, spanning multiple levels that offer panoramic views of the entire Salento coast. Perched on a hill overlooking the bay of Santa Cesarea Terme, the structure boasts a breathtaking panorama of the beautiful Adriatic Sea. Recently renovated, this captivating venue presents a balanced mix of ancient Salento elements and more modern lines.
Beyond the entrance and along the main avenue, visitors can enjoy the splendid park framing Cala dei Balcani. Populated by gnarled holm oaks, maritime pines, and a centuries-old oak, it features numerous dry stone walls and stone paths elegantly winding through the various areas of the complex.
Approaching the farmhouse, the park gently transitions into a garden adorned with blooming shrubs, the protagonist of bucolic outdoor receptions in the summer. Able to accommodate approximately 200 guests, this area can be freely set up with tables and illuminations.
From here, you can continue along the paths, further ascending the hill on which the structure stands. At its summit is the historic Tower of Monte Saracino, under which aperitifs and ceremonies are organized. Thanks to the large panoramic terrace, you can then enjoy an unparalleled view of the sea and the Albanian coast.
Entering the farmhouse, visitors are immediately captivated by the beauty and sophistication of its vast interior hall. Spacious and visually impactful, it features a ceiling with elegant star-shaped vaults in carparo.
Cala dei Balcani is truly a magical place rich in proposals that will fill your heart with sweet memories. Thanks to the wide variety of spaces and its perfect blend of history and modernity, we are confident you will realize every desire here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cala dei Balcani
- Where is Cala dei Balcani located? Cala dei Balcani is located along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, in the town of Santa Cesarea Terme, in the province of Lecce.
- Can I celebrate my wedding inside Cala dei Balcani? Certainly. You can organize the photoshoot and the reception inside the venue and in all the adjoining areas. The entire complex is dedicated exclusively to your celebration.
- Is there a restaurant inside Cala dei Balcani? Yes, Cala dei Balcani has an on-site restaurant. Therefore, you cannot freely engage an external catering service for your event.
- What events can be celebrated at Cala dei Balcani? Inside Cala dei Balcani, you can organize your most important events. The venue is open to weddings and private events. You can also organize your conferences and corporate meetings here.
- Can Cala dei Balcani host business meetings? Certainly. Cala dei Balcani provides indoor and outdoor spaces for the organization of events and conventions. The environments are equipped with comfort and feature technologically advanced facilities.
- Can I stay overnight at Cala dei Balcani? Unfortunately, the structure does not have suites or rooms. However, there are several hotels and apartments nearby.
Whatever location you choose for your wedding photos in Apulia, don't forget to count on the right wedding photographer.
He will capture the emotions of that day and turn them into memories you will cherish forever.
If you're looking for a wedding photographer in Apulia, or are still considering wedding venues, take a look at our wedding photography galleries.
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CIAO! è UN PIACERE CONOSCERTI, SONO
MATTEO
E SONO UN FOTOGRAFO
DI MATRIMONI
Oltre a essere un fotografo di matrimoni, sono un marito (fortunato!) e un papà (superfortunato!).
Amo le scodinzolate piene di felicità e le fusa nella penombra della sera, perciò nella nostra famiglia ci sono anche due meravigliose pelose, Ottavia e Nova.
Adoro il profumo dei boschi dove tutto è così selvaggio, dove puoi recuperare le connessioni profonde con la natura. Allo stesso modo amo l'unico mezzo che ti permette di restare fortemente connesso al mondo che ti circonda, la moto.
Io e mia moglie Giulia abbiamo attraversato l'Europa fino ad arrivare a Capo Nord, dove abbiamo lasciato un pezzo del nostro cuore.
