Palazzo dell'Acqua

The chosen style harmonizes perfectly with local traditions, which are reflected in the building not only through the materials used but also in the numerous decorative stylistic references inspired by the region’s most famous architectural monuments. The Trani stone used for the exterior cladding, showcases the skilled craftsmanship of local stonemasons, evident in the carved details on the capitals, the inscriptions on the mullioned windows, and the balconies.

The building stands as a tangible testament to the grand, historic project of bringing fresh water to Puglia. This achievement was made possible hrough the collaboration of the people from Irpinia and Lucania. It transformed a chronically arid land into a productive region, significantly improving the living conditions of its inhabitants.

The story of this monumental endeavor, etched in stone, is vividly brought to life by the artistic genius of decorator Duilio Cambellotti. Through a rich array of murals, sculptures, furniture, and other decorative elements, he tells this tale with symbolic power. It should be noted that the term "decorator" is used here in its historical sense.  For Cambellotti, "decorating" meant designing every aspect of the three facades and creating the image of every detail of the interiors: from ceilings to floors, doors to windows, paintings to wall sculptures, furniture to accessories, stained glass, carpets, lighting, and even elevators. All this was done to make the Palazzo of Acquedotto Pugliese in Bari both an ideal and a tangible "laboratory" for his creative genius.

The building, with its decorations fully completed - except for a few details in the presidential apartment finished in 1934 - , did not receive the official inauguration it deserved. Nonetheless, the work stands as an exemplary artistic creation with a single dominant theme: water.