In the heart of Specchia, one of Puglia's most beautiful villages, the historic atrium of Palazzo Risolo transforms into an intimate stage for an extraordinary jazz evening. The second installment of Borgo Sonoro brings together vocalist Ines Petrucci, guitarist Pino Mazzarano, and Vito Di Modugno on piano and bass for a musical journey that spans continents in just 80 minutes.
A Palace Steeped in History
Palazzo Risolo stands as one of Specchia's architectural treasures, its stone walls echoing centuries of stories. The atrium's natural acoustics create an almost cathedral-like resonance that jazz musicians dream of. As evening light filters through ancient archways, the space becomes something between a concert hall and a secret gathering place.
The palazzo sits in the medieval core of the village, where narrow streets wind past whitewashed houses and unexpected piazzas. It's the kind of venue where the architecture itself becomes part of the performance, adding weight and warmth to every note.
The Sound of a World Tour
This isn't just another jazz concert—it's a musical passport through global traditions. The trio weaves together influences from Brazil to New Orleans, from Paris café culture to New York bebop, all filtered through their distinctly Italian sensibility. Petrucci's voice moves effortlessly between languages and styles, while Mazzarano's guitar adds texture and Di Modugno's keys and bass lines anchor the journey.
The intimacy of the setting means you're close enough to see the musicians exchange glances, to catch the spontaneous moments that make live jazz so compelling. Each piece flows into the next, building a narrative that feels both carefully crafted and wonderfully improvised.
Making the Most of Your Evening
Arrive early to wander Specchia's historic center before the performance. The village is small enough to explore in an hour, but rich enough to warrant a leisurely passeggiata through its stepped streets and vaulted passages.
- The concert begins at sunset—time your arrival to watch the sky turn pink over the surrounding olive groves
- Specchia's stone seating in the atrium is atmospheric but unforgiving; consider bringing a light cushion
- After the performance, the village's small bars and restaurants fill with concert-goers—it's the perfect time to strike up conversations with locals and fellow music lovers
- Combine your visit with a daytime exploration of the nearby Serre Salentine hills and their ancient masserie
- The drive from the Adriatic coast takes about 20 minutes, making this an ideal evening excursion from beach towns like Castro or Santa Cesarea Terme
The Village After Dark
As the concert ends and you step back into Specchia's illuminated streets, the village reveals another face entirely. Summer evenings bring a gentle breeze and the sound of laughter from hidden courtyards. Local families gather in the main piazza while visitors linger over gelato and Primitivo wine.
This is when Specchia shows why it earned its place among Italy's most beautiful villages—not just for its medieval architecture, but for the living culture that still animates its stones. The jazz evening becomes part of a larger experience, a window into how tradition and contemporary art coexist in Puglia's inland villages.