All things Puglian

Masserie in Puglia

Luxury masserie in Puglia >>

The Puglian countryside is scattered with masserie, impressively imposing constructions that were once the beating hearts of local agricultural estates.

They served many purposes, providing not only accommodation for the local lord or Massaro (landlord or farm manager), who would live on the upper floor, but also storerooms, workrooms, stables and living quarters for the farmhands on the lower level.

They were generally very large in size and built of thickly-carved blocks of tuff stone. The main building was often connected to a chapel and surrounded by courtyards, large fertile gardens and, finally, strong protective perimeter walls designed to keep out unwanted visitors. Beyond those lay the fields and farmland.

Thanks to their great size and impressive architectural designs, over recent decades a great many of Puglia’s masserie have been transformed into luxury hotels and glorious private residences. Several of the latter, such as Villa Elia, Masseria Lamacoppa and Masseria Acquadolce, have decided to open their doors exclusively to clients of Think Puglia.

Luxury masserie in Puglia >>

1/21 Masseria Lamacoppa is an impressive sight! 2/21 The stunning pool and main building of Masseria Acquadolce, 3/21 At Villa Elia guests taste the produce of the owner's surrounding land. 4/21 Dining at Masseria Acquadolce. 5/21 Part of Masseria Lamacoppa's imposing facade. 6/21 The imposing structure of Villa Elia seen from the pool. 7/21 The original bell at Masseria Lamacoppa. 8/21 The private chapel of Masseria Lamacoppa. 9/21 Masseria Acquadolce seen from on high. 10/21 The original well at Villa Elia. 11/21 One of Masseria Lamacoppa's internal courtyards. 12/21 The lovely pool and gardens of Villa Elia seen from the roof. 13/21 The high protective walls surrounding Masseria Lamacoppa. 14/21 The fabulous pool at Masseria Lamacoppa. 15/21 Produce of Masseria Lamacoppa is used for guests' meals. 16/21 A detail of Masseria Acquadolce. 17/21 The vast olive groves surrounding Villa Elia. 18/21 The huge internal living areas of Masseria Acquadolce. 19/21 Villa Elia in the evening sun. 20/21 A detail of Villa Elia. 21/21 A typically high, vaulted ceiling in the kitchen at Villa Elia.