Museo: Mostra TRA ULIVI E MARE - Alla scoperta di Armando Perotti, con lettere e ricordi

Introduction to the Palace

The Miani-Perotti Palace is a key element in the urban layout of Cassano delle Murge, the result of a series of architectural interventions that bear witness to a long history of settlements and building transformations. Archaeological excavations, with the discovery of an ancient mosaic under the floor, have revealed that the current structure stands on an ancient Roman villa. According to historical sources, the elegant noble residence was built in 1766 at the behest of the priests Domenico Angelo and Giovanni De Nunzio, who entrusted the project to the young architect Vincenzo Ruffo. In 1795, the property passed to Domenico Angelo Miani and subsequently to his heirs. Although the attribution of the project to Ruffo is not confirmed in the documents, the palace remains a precious example of eighteenth-century architecture in Terra di Bari. The façade is noteworthy, with its balcony and windows with stylish architraves, while inside, the marvelous majolica floors of some rooms and the decoration of the ceiling of the Ballroom stand out.

The Miani Family

The Miani family originated in Veneto: dating back to Marco Miani in 1421, it spread to Puglia in the 16th century, settling in Francavilla Fontana (LE) and Ginosa (TA). It settled in Cassano delle Murge at the end of the 18th century. Count Nicola Miani, a lawyer and deputy for three terms (1870-1880), was born in Cassano to a Cassanese father but moved to Polignano after his marriage, where his first daughter Fulvia was born. The Count, owner of the immense Palazzo Marchesale, purchased the famous Palazzese cave, which still belongs to the Miani family today. Fulvia Miani, married to Camillo Gaetano Perotti, inherited her father's house in Cassano, now recognized as a national monument. After their leave, they spent long periods in Cassano, especially in the summer residence at the gates of the town, the so-called "Casina del Generale".

Camillo Gaetano Perotti

Camillo Gaetano Perotti, born in Turin on August 10, 1823, was a passionate soldier, participating as a volunteer and then as an officer in the wars of 1848 and 1849. He taught Topography and Geodesy and became Colonel and Commander of the Gaeta Fortress, also distinguishing himself for the respectful treatment reserved for Giuseppe Mazzini. With the rank of General, he retired to Cassano delle Murge, where he became Mayor from 1865 to 1883. He promoted drinking water for the Province of Bari and was a Provincial Deputy, Councillor and Municipal Assessor of Bari. He died in Cassano delle Murge on July 6, 1898.

Fulvia Miani

Fulvia Miani, born in Polignano a Mare on February 25, 1844, completed her studies in Florence and at the age of nineteen married Colonel Camillo Gaetano Perotti. In Gaeta, she offered moral and material support to Giuseppe Mazzini, who expressed his gratitude to her. She collaborated for over 40 years with magazines under the pseudonym "Voluntas". In 1880, she published a collection of travel impressions through Puglia, "Profili e paesaggi pugliesi". She founded the first girls' school for sailors' daughters in Bari and led the provincial Red Cross. During the war of 1915-1918, she organized aid for soldiers and families. She died in Cassano delle Murge on February 25, 1931, and is buried in Polignano a Mare. Three days earlier, the body of her son Armando Perotti had been transferred from Cassano to the necropolis of Bari.

Armando Perotti

Armando Perotti was born in Bari on February 1, 1865. Oral tradition has it that he was born in Cassano delle Murge but registered in Bari. In Bari he completed his first studies, obtaining his high school diploma at the age of sixteen. He would have liked to follow in the military career of his father and grandfather, but he found an obstacle in his father's will. He continued his studies in the city of Rome, where he also practiced the profession of journalist. In Florence he earned his teaching diploma in literary subjects and in Perugia he graduated in Law.