Palazzo Samele Lembo was founded by Vito Samele, who expanded the ancient small palace owned by his wife, a member of the Acquaviva family. Featuring numerous frescoed rooms, reception halls, and guest chambers, this historical building was constructed in two distinct architectural phases between roughly 1830 and 1870.

The residence initially hosted the Samele family. Vito Samele, besides being an enlightened mayor of Canosa, was one of the most prominent wine importers and exporters in Europe. In 1904, he was honored at the Industry Exhibition in Rome, and even today, the magnificent underground cellars that belonged to his business are still visible.

Later on, the residence was acquired by the Lembo family, entrepreneurs active in various sectors and builders of the namesake Teatro Comunale, located just opposite the palace.

The residence hosted numerous prominent personalities, including Queen Maria Theresa of Austria-Teschen, wife of the then King of the Two Sicilies, Ferdinand II of Bourbon, during a journey to Calabria. According to local tradition, the queen consort stepped out onto the main balcony of the residence, which was specially built and decorated with relief garlands.