Taranto
The D'Ayala Valva Palace located in the Old Town of Taranto, is one of the most prestigious buildings in the area. Built in the 18th century by Don Ignazio Marrese, a member of a noble family from Taranto, the palace served both as a private residence and as a place of representation to host ministers, officials and dignitaries. The building overlooks the Mar Grande and incorporates the Marrese bastion, an element of the ancient city fortifications. In the 19th century, the property passed to the d'Ayala Valva family, of Spanish origin, who made Renaissance-style modifications to the interiors. Despite its historical and architectural value, the palace is currently in a state of decay and abandonment.