Masseria Spina Resort is one of the oldest historic residences in Puglia, with a long and fascinating history that began in the sixteenth century. Every detail of the resort unites nature, history and tradition harmoniously.
The first settlements at Masseria Spina are among the most important examples of rupestrian civilization, developed between roughly the ninth and twelfth centuries in Puglia. These rocky settlements stood near watercourses of torrential origin, called “lame” or “mene”, and were generally made up of an organic complex of caves, each used for a specific purpose (homes, workplaces, churches). Traces of ancient foundations dating from the early medieval period and a small cemetery are still visible, tangible signs of the presence, around the eleventh century, of a fairly large community.
Subsequently, between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, in the area around the Minor Church, two towers and structures used for agricultural activities were built by the local people thus giving it the appearance of a village, in which there were about a hundred homes. The monumental complex was completed by the Immaculate Conception Church in the eighteenth century.
THE PROPOSALS OF MASSERIA SPINA
The gastronomic-historical tour of Masseria Spina takes you on a 2-hour journey through the rupestrian settlement, the necropolis and the Minor Church, the Spina Piccola Fortified Tower (the first fortified structure) and its internal citrus grove, the ancient underground olive press, the dye-works, the external facade of the Masseria Spina Grande, the majestic main structure with its defining red colour, and the Baroque Church of the Immaculate Conception.
The walking tour is followed by an extra virgin olive oil tasting that teaches you to distinguish it from refined oils through a direct, on-site demonstration, and learn its qualitative, nutritional and organoleptic characteristics. Once you have savoured its taste, appreciated its clarity, density and colour, and finally, been enchanted by its aroma. It will also be possible to taste different local labels (native vines) of the best Apulean wines, accompanied by typical dishes and products of the Apulean gastronomy.
GUIDED TOUR WITH OLIVE OIL TASTING
duration: 2 and a half hours
from € 15 per person
GUIDED TOUR WITH WINE TASTING
duration: 2 and a half hours
from € 20 per person
GUIDED TOUR FOLLOWED BY PASTA LAB
duration: 2 and a half hours
from € 18 per person
The tour is free of charge for children under 6 years old. Up to 12 years old a 50% discount is applied.
Masseria Spina organizes courses to learn the art of the Apulian cuisine for adults and kids.
During this activity the guests are assisted by Masseria Spina’s Chef in the preparation of different courses that are enjoyed during the cooking class, in between recipes.
COOKING CLASS AND TASTING
from € 75 per person (for a minimum of 2 people)
from € 65 per person (for a minimum of 4 people)
Proposal of a traditional menù:
Fried panzerotti , Rice potatoes and mussels, Typical ricotta cheese dessert.
Whitin the walls of Masseria Spina it is possible to organize and partake in different workshops.
MOZZARELLA CHEESE WORKSHOP WITH A TASTING OF DIARY PRODUCTS FROM VALLE D’ITRIA: guests will make mozzarella cheese with the Masseria’s diaryman and will taste local typical diary products from the area.
WICKER BASKET WORKSHOP: guests make wicker baskets with baskets’ Master Tommaso, with tecniques and materials typical of the area.
“TARANTA” AND “PIZZICA” LESSONS (TYPICAL DANCES): a sweeping dance with the “tarantato” who will entertain guests with ancient dances and Apulian rituals.
RESTORATION LABORATORY: During the lessons it will be possible to learn the basiscs of the art of restoration and challenge yourselves learning mainly about the constructive materials and causes of deterioration
All laboratories include the equipment and materials you need.
Guests have the chance of living the magic of an Apulian Masseria by staying in one of the historic residences which are located within the monumental complex of the Fortified Masseria Spina Grande, sourrounded by the greenery of olive trees overlooking the sea.
For Le Dimore del Quartetto’s friends a 15% discount is applied on non-refundable prepayment.
PACKAGE RESERVED FOR LE DIMORE DEL QUARTETTO’S FRIENDS: a two-night stay for 2 people including breakfast, guided tour with an olive oil, wine and typical products tasting, pasta Lab, dinner at the Masseria’s restaurant for €372,oo. Linen, final cleaning, parking spot, green areas and swimming pool. Tourist tax of € 1 per person per night included.
family history
The stories of numerous dynasties are intertwined with that of the Masseria. Back in 1500, the first owner, Francisco de Chiantera, bequeathed to his son Vito “ninety works in three bodies”, located in what was then called San Basilio. In 1587, the grounds took the name of “Spina”, after his marriage to Lucrezia Spina, who brought “the plot with caves, olive presses and more” as dowry. Another marriage caused the Masseria to pass to the Ammazzalorsa family, which owned the house until 1760, when it was sold to Vito Giuseppe Martinelli, Knight of Malta, Salerno nobleman, wealthy merchant, and oil and silk manufacturer. In 1890, again as a result of a wedding, Masseria Spina became the property of the ancient Meo-Evoli family which, in the late 1970s, turned Masseria Spina into one of the first agritourism structures in Puglia. Nori Meo-Evoli, who currently lives at Masseria Spina with her children, Marco and Sara D’Errico, dedicates all of her energy to caring for the architectural complex. Using her professional skills as a restorer of cultural assets, she continues to value and promote awareness of this extraordinary monument, rich in history and surrounded by an entirely unique panorama.
