Palazzo del Seminario

The eighteenth-century Seminary Palace in Brindisi faces the cathedral on Piazza Duomo and is a major example of Baroque architecture in the city.

Why it matters

Commissioned by Bishop Paolo Vilana Perlas, the palace reflects the importance of clerical education in eighteenth-century Brindisi. Its continued association with the archdiocese connects the building's original purpose with the city's religious institutions.

What to notice

Mauro Manieri's facade is crowned by eight statues representing disciplines taught to seminarians. The bishop's coat of arms appears on the facade, while the composition's restrained Baroque language reflects architectural models from Rome.

Context and history

Construction began in 1720 under Bishop Paolo Vilana Perlas, with the design by Lecce architect Mauro Manieri. The 1743 earthquake damaged the building, and Manieri directed repairs and designed the crowning statues. The palace served as a seminary for two centuries and later became a centre for archdiocesan administration.