Palazzo Valerio-Longo, also called Palazzo Longo, is a historic palace in Modugno, on via Conte Rocco Stella, right in the centre. It was built between 1568, the year of a notarial deed concerning it, and 1677, the date carved on the architrave of a doorway on the left side. It was built by Matteo Valerio; a younger Matteo Valerio, who died without direct heirs, left it to his relatives Giuseppe and Vito Mininni of Palo del Colle, who in 1787 sold it for 3300 silver ducats to Angelantonio Longo. Longo worked above all on the exterior, which had fallen into decay: he had the rustication made up to the string course, and in 1827 the two side loggias of the first floor were walled up to gain room inside.
What to see
The long front on via Conte Stella had at its two ends, on the first floor, the two loggias later closed: the round arches are decorated with small human heads and floral motifs, and on one loggia is the corner coat of arms of the Longo, with three gold stars, a dove and a lily. The two entrance doorways have moulded round arches, and one bears an apotropaic mask on its keystone. Beside it, in 1705, the Valerio-Longo chapel was built, dedicated to St Francis of Paola. The two balconies of the first floor date from 1870; the other windows of the upper floors seem original, and some are framed by blind arches with small heads.
The entrance opens onto a large passage leading to the stables, the chapel and the staircase to the main floor, with a large mask at the centre of its ceiling. In the middle of the palace is a courtyard with round arcades, closed on two sides; on one of the arches is the coat of arms of the Valerio, with the eagle. Originally the palace had fifty-two rooms, counting the main floor, attics, stables, wine-pressing room, chapel and a small citrus garden.
Visiting
The front can be seen from the street; any access to the courtyard and the interiors should be checked. Since 1981 the palace has been listed by the Soprintendenza as a late Renaissance building.
Our editors' tip
At the back the palace has two more loggias and a large terrace, facing what is now via De Gasperi and the old walls of Modugno, pulled down in 1820. Among the heirs who went on improving it were Nicola, a doctor and patriot, and Angelo, the first mayor of Modugno after the unification of Italy.
