ItalyChevron PugliaChevron Sophie KnightSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links But it came into its own in the aftermath of such hype maturing quietly and steadily out of the limelight all those trailblazing converted farmhouses have been joined by sophisticated new arrivals that combine world-class design with the warmth and originality of the area Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known accommodations that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination and warm service—as well as serious sustainability credentials All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors 15 miles from Puglia's southernmost point one gleaming monument stands out from its sun-faded neighbors It took 18 months to sandblast Castello di Ugento's dilapidated pietra leccese walls back to their original honey hue part of a nearly $16,000,000 renovation that breathed new life into the once-majestic palazzo Three state-of-the-art kitchens were built within the property for Culinary Institute of America students to learn authentic Italian methods Pugliese produce is championed elsewhere in the castle too Design-savvy guests will appreciate the furniture from Ceccotti loveseats to reupholstered vintage Poltrona Frau armchairs The nine bedrooms combine original architectural features with contemporary cosseting: sleep under a star-vaulted ceiling or shower in a rediscovered vault The marriage of ancient and avant-garde continues in the museum wing where 17th-century frescoes provide a backdrop to modern art exhibitions the glass floor reveals a Norman tower that was excavated during the renovations Behind a façade of rusticated Pompei red stone Paragon 700—their 11-room hotel—threw open its doors in 2021 A mischievous sense of design uplifts austere spaces with eclectic art and Gothicky furnishings Don’t miss the spa—a candlelit netherworld that was once an underground cistern he bought one of the few historic palazzos within the city walls still in private hands and worked with local architect Antonio Annicchiarico and Parisian interiors firm Charles-Philippe and Christophe to create a different Lecce hotel It's a little like a designer monastery a discreetly stylish refuge in the center of town combining star-vaulted ceilings with vintage modernist furnishings by Charlotte Perriand and contemporary art from the owner's private collection The large walled garden consists mostly of ancient olive trees Simone Solido serves up authentic local dishes such as ciceri e tria (pasta and chickpeas) with less-is-more flair and you'll find a gorgeous 63-room masseria hotel Families tend to opt for the more relaxed apartments which give on to the lanes and piazzas of a tasteful faux-rural hamlet there are 29 individual villas with private pools Borgo Egnazia can absorb well over 300 people in high season yet it's remarkably easy to carve out a private corner as many restaurants (in varying venues from cellars to the beach) Local advisors sort tours or activities and indulge guests' whims: there's even a dedicated When you’re not exploring the surroundings or splashing around in the pool retreat to the spa for a deliciously relaxing massage or some well-deserved you-time over herbal tea LecceOne of the latest properties on the scene in Puglia this former residence of renowned doctor and philosopher Teofilo Zimara is one of the city's 40 protected palaces recognized for its historical and architectural significance After four years of extensive renovations led by architect Raffaele Centonze the Palazzo has been brought back to its former splendor The renovation carefully preserved its rich historical details sprawled across 1,100 square feet with an in-room hot tub and private sauna Every space seamlessly blends old and new: walls showcase restored frescoes by local artisan Annibale D’Ambrosio upholstered leather beds add that touch of modernity The property is owned by the D’Angelo Family winemakers for generations who own a winery in Matera You can taste these at Palazzo Zimara’s wine bistro and restaurant bringing a selection of Mediterranean dishes to the menu GinosaOn the border between Puglia and Basilicata only a few kilometers away from the Ionian Sea a sprawling 103-hectare family-owned agricultural estate it's overseen by his grandson Carlo and his wife Antonella who has given a dynamic new life to this estate lies an ancient palm grove leading to a rustic 14th-century manor restored by the Milan-based architect Anna Mazzucchelli With a commitment to preserving its historical significance local materials like the "tufo Pugliese" stone were used and matched with simple furnishings sourced from local artisans housed beneath an elegant barrel-vaulted ceiling you can savor a farm-to-table style menu curated by the chefs who celebrate Apulian heritage through a seasonal menu blending traditional recipes with contemporary culinary techniques guests can enjoy a swimming pool offering breathtaking valley views and three scenic hiking or mountain biking trails with complimentary classic and electric bikes available for use throughout their stay Palazzo Presta is where 17th-century grandeur meets global wanderlust in the heart of Gallipoli's old town an Enlightenment-era doctor considered the best in the south Apulian powerhouse couple Antonio and Eugenia acquired the property This boutique bolthole now reimagines the world through ten uniquely styled rooms thanks to the vision of both the owners and Italian architectural firm Studio Atelier P Each space is inspired by a different far-flung city where Japanese scrolls and vintage suitcases transport you across continents Palazzo Presta treasures various rooms to keep you entertained Our favorite hideaway is the Libreria del Mare a library that reveals Salento through several books you may find the hidden speakeasy amidst the shelves where you can savor a fresh cocktail and small bites while you embrace the Mediterranean awe the in-house restaurant that reinvents local classics with gourmet flair Gallipoli offers many activities from strolls along the coast to walking through the historic center splashing around at Punta Pizzo or Lido di San Giovanni to watching the sunset from the Bastioni named after the local grape and fantastic red wine is embedded within the rustic Gallipoli countryside the estate operates as a secluded sanctuary for those seeking to connect to nature while still being within easy reach of quaint villages the 10-roomed property is a playful tribute to the surroundings and textures that harmonise with the traditional interiors from the region and jute rugs that recall the laid-back nature of the property others have a private patio equipped with a cozy sofa and outdoor shower Mediterranean flavors are served from breakfast through to dinner with homegrown fruit and vegetables paired with locally caught seafood and country delights Make sure to stop for a drink at The Cactus Bar with its lovely hand-painted mural for a prickly-pair-infused cocktail It took one look at Masseria Montelauro for Elisabetta Massaro and her daughters to embark on a new venture and transform the run-down farmhouse into a warm detail-oriented bolthole in southern Puglia The female touch is certainly present; sky-blue painted shutters contrast with the whitewashed façade of the Masseria large wooden cabinets adorned with pastel-coloured ceramics and fresh flowers are ever-present throughout The 29 rooms are simple yet respectful of tradition; vaulted ceilings and “chianca” stone tiled floors intricate wrought-iron bed frames and lamps handcrafted by local artisans have been repurposed to their former glory a swimming pool sits alongside an immaculately-trimmed lawn along with a fruit orchard and vegetable and herb garden that serves their Fimmine Restaurant The cuisine relies heavily on either homegrown or locally sourced produce and reflects the biodiversity of the region focusing on seasonal ingredients and flavour-filled recipes for breakfasts CutrofianoCritabianca is situated in the countryside of Cutrofiano the very clay that makes up the surrounding landscapes which has enhanced the land with a strong agriculture and primary ingredient for making the world-diffused Apulian ceramic homeware formerly the summer residence for affluent middle-class families in the Bourbon period it transitioned into a tobacco-producing farmstead who transformed the ancient farmhouse into a six-roomed hotel surrounded by prickly pairs they stayed faithful to the original structure ancient stone vaulted ceilings and traces of 19th-century frescoes truly embracing the quietude of the countryside; where breakfast is enjoyed under the shade of the orange orchard and days are spent either poolside soaking the Mediterranean sun or exploring the surroundings in which each village has a story to tell Time a visit during November to experience the saffron harvest NardòThe Nardò-based Relais Monastero Santa Teresa is a Baronial palace dating back to the 14th century which was later donated to the Vatican Under the Napoleonic influence of the 18th century it was confiscated and fell into the hands of numerous noble families until it was finally acquired by the current owner Antonello Rizzetto who alongside the Italian architect Luigi Ripa took the palace back to its former splendour and opened its doors as an ‘Albergo Diffuso’ The property is comprised of four grand palazzi with a total of 30 contemporary-designed rooms treasured among frescoed walls grand 12 metre high vaulted ceilings and sumptuous ornaments that walk you through centuries of architectural styles – the most notable being the original intricate baroque rose window and sculpted portico Two of the four palazzos of the ‘Albergo Diffuso’ boast large swimming pools while Relais il Magnano houses a rooftop terrace with eye-catching views across the historical centre of Nardò as well as a restaurant that delivers the magnificent flavours of Salento Nardò in itself is a great base for discovering the treasures of the south as well as simply strolling through its cobblestone streets admiring the ornate balconies and glamorous arches that represent centuries worth of history where Chef Fulvio Pierangelini curates a menu that showcases vegetables in all their facets Don't miss the lemon tart for pudding at the Carosello restaurant which is lined with rosemary bushes and blue jasmine—which only seems fitting considering tables overlook the lemon grove Aperitivi takes place by the swimming pool where you can linger over local wines and nibbles as Carmelo sings Italian classics as the sun sets which is more akin to a tented safari camp with techno gym equipment One of the latest acquisitions of Masseria Torre Maizza is Lido Bambù a bohemian-inspired beach club with sombrero-like umbrellas and cushioned sun beds where you can spend the day (and take the free shuttle bus) amongst turquoise waters La Peschiera is the perfect example of a meticulous restoration—from an ancient fishing reserve to one of the most exclusive the dreamy beachside property embraces a simple color palette of whites and beiges that perfectly enhances the hypnotic deep-blue sea that it overlooks waking up and falling asleep to the gentle rustle of the waves and even dining above it on a suspended terrace where seafood is undoubtedly the starring ingredient of Chef Vincenzo Montanaro’s tasting menus private beach where you can experience the leisurely rhythm of the Mediterranean FasanoA white-washed limestone façade represents years of history that date back to the 12th century enclosing fragments of the past preserved as treasures in the cave church But this heritage has experienced a contemporary dimension since 2002 when Alessandro and Virginia Amati acquired and restored the property Today Borgo San Marco has 19 suites with rustic and romantic drapes that gently dance in the morning breeze over layers of centenary olive trees and ancient carobs (This is the side to catch the best sunrise.) At the hotel’s restaurant local cuisine is served to hotel guests and visitors (fava bean purée with chicory) and drizzle with Borgo San Marco’s own extra virgin olive oil made on-site—it’s also just as lovely on bread with a sprinkle of salt OstuniCarlo Lanzini set out to create a contemporary structure that acknowledged and respected tradition and integrated harmoniously into the surroundings refined structure with whitewashed tufo walls and original stone floors designed by Andrew Trotter the beautifully minimalist location offers both sociable and convivial spaces and intimate nooks for moments of simple solitude With Giorgia Eugeniagoggi at the head of the kitchen table the philosophy behind the cuisine is simple yet refined: farm-to-table ingredients TrepuzziA 15-minute drive from Lecce takes you to a 20th-century castle left in its original state with merlons and turrets set amidst 37 acres of gardens and orchards sprawling out towards the Adriatic Sea Legend has it that the castle was abandoned for a century until current owner Steve Riseley acquired the property and—working closely with architects and specialist artisans—carefully restored it whilst discretely integrating contemporary eclectic designer furnishings and works of art a two-roomed Garden Suite in the Cottage and a further four suites across the tower and ancient Masseria and restaurant in which chef Fabiana Taurino prepares dishes deeply rooted in southern Apulian traditions narrow road with alternating rosemary and oleander bushes leads to an enchanted garden suspended between the countryside and the sea Set out in the tiny hamlet of Pezze di Greco—eight minutes away from Torre Canne beach—Masseria Montenapoleone transports you to a dimension in which time is unimportant Giuliano and Alessandra Monteneve created this artistic haven from an ancient cave settlement and live here today alongside their guests with their daughter Marcellina They have paid particular attention to furnishings in which upcycled objects and vintage treasured finds from antique markets have been given a second life composed of a variety of vegetation from fruit trees to flowers and herb gardens that leave a fragrant trail as you walk around the narrow stone-carved paths not only you’ll find Chef Domenico Consoli picking fresh fruits and vegetables to cook at La Falegnameria restaurant herbs are also used to create massage and aromatherapy oils that change on a seasonal basis book an aperitivo among the vineyards and watch the sunset as you enjoy a cocktail from the botanical bar or a glass of Primi Passi wine made from the native susumaniello grape from the vineyards Polignano a MareWhen you think of Polignano a Mare you envision the large spurs of rocks that look over Cala Porto But there’s another side to scenic town—rolling green countryside with dense olive groves surrounding Masseria le Torri Mimmo and Silvana welcome you to their home through small and kind gestures that truly make you appreciate family-run hotels you’ll see Silvana walk around with a little apron and a huge smile often on her way to the kitchen to bake something delicious The breakfast is a memorable spread of home-baked cakes (vegan and gluten-free too) and your traditional savory delicacies such as ricotta But the rooms within this masseria also leave their mark—a simple and delicate palette of white with only essential furnishings that recall farmhouses of the past You’ll find charming little details like an olive branch in place of a wardrobe reflecting the farmer’s habit of hanging his jacket on a tree before starting work in the fields a spray of lavender oil awaits you on your pillow OstuniDanielle and Jean Louis fell in love with the authenticity of Puglia while on holiday and ended up relocating from Strasbourg seven years ago They chose Ostuni as a base for their Maison d’Hôtes Masseria Dagilupi where the Valle d’Itria and Salento collide and expanses of olive groves flourish above deep The Masseria is housed within an ancient oil mill with three suites that retain their original white-washed stone and arched coves that once served as storage units to conserve the olive oil and refreshing contemporary touches like the Patricia Urquiola-designed bathtub in the Terrace Suite Ostuni NardòFor a visit to Nardò—an authentic Italian gem with its splendid baroque façades and few tourists—Masseria Galeta is an ideal base just a 20-minute drive away The Masseria has a wonderful rustic and country vibe it also operates as a farm breeding cattle and goats There are only three rooms between the 16th-century watchtower and the farmhouse antique furnishings enhance the atmosphere of an authentic breakfast is a moment of conviviality where guests can come together over homemade delights MonopoliThis 10-room charmer is built into the walls of Monopoli a characterful sea-girt warren of whitewashed houses that feels more Greek than Italian The bedrooms are classy accommodations under the vaults of what was once an 18th-century nobleman's house The real clincher is the roof terrace and bar LeccePalazzo Maresgallo manifests as a sprawl of galleries and roof terraces in a garden of lemon trees Instead of hallways lined with gloomy pictures of ancestors the stunning property is filled with imaginative furniture from renowned designers and unforgettable art Its flat roof turns into an outdoor cinema at night for subtitled films with pizza and ice cream Sweat it off the next morning with the daily 8 a.m yoga session or book the private hammam for a Turkish bath Food-wise you can help yourself to everything in the kitchen—still-warm bread enjoy a never-ending procession of chocolate truffles You aren’t completely left to your own devices: the manager is always on hand for expert restaurant suggestions and local know-how the staff will prepare a bag with towels and bottled water plus there are bicycles and Vespas to borrow but better than some of the very best hotels down here In Italy’s heel SavelletriDominated by a 16th-century watchtower that later became a fortified farmhouse Masseria Torre Coccaro is a delightfully laid-back place that serves both families and couples (it can arrange kids' pizza lessons as well as a quick round on the golf course) The owner is mover and shaker Vittorio Muolo—one of the founding fathers of the masserie and beach club scene in Puglia's fishing village of Savelletri—who opened Torre Coccaro back in 2002 The rooms combine Puglian rusticity with touches of Frenchified elegance OtrantoMercedes Prosperi's mother and sister run Masseria Montelauro —a reference point for fans of Puglian country allure—but here near Laghi Alimini Prosperi has carved out a refreshingly kooky fiefdom of her own Though the location—right behind a less exalted masseria hotel—could be better the mix of vintage and modern design of this new-build six-room retreat is seductive but these days this fortified farmhouse is all clean lines offset with steel blue windows and doors The cobbled threshing floor acts as a piazza between the dining terrace and tiny family chapel It is tempting to surrender to the lavender-framed pool and long lunches of grilled fish the apero terrace is the place to catch the last rays of sun—the clink of Negronis from the aperitivo bar blending with the sounds of laid-back music and the hum of the cicadas LecceMilanese art collector Anna Maria Enselmi embarked on a four-year project to create this seven-suite hotel (and at times exclusive rental) and living art gallery and Thomas Ruff—as well as 20th-century Italian furniture—dazzle in its rooms and cavernous salon a small spa with hammam and Pilates studio and a lap pool overlooking the Roman theatre are more recent additions A side project of the latter's owner-manager Aldo Melpignano 18th-century fortified masseria surrounded by olive groves The farmhouse bedrooms are elegant but authentic unfussy local fare (Pugliese pasta dishes made with vegetables grown in the garden) The property is a wonderfully unpretentious antidote to some of the region's dressier places to eat and stay And all this at a price that remains sane even in high season is both a land’s end peninsula and a crossroads of cultures—some locals still speak an ancient Greek dialect Gabriele Salini of GS Collection decided to partner with art curator Francesco Petrucci after Petrucci inherited his family’s 19th-century townhouse in lively Gagliano del Capo Salini worked closely with the architects to take things back to essentials monastically simple bedrooms that highlight the ceiling frescoes and a courtyard that calls for wild The Leopard-like soirées The six-bedroom setting so beguiled French travel disruptor Thierry Teyssier that he launched his pop-up hotel concept 700,000 Heures here last autumn Some of the region’s best beaches are a short drive away dark slick of swimming pool and lemon-filled orchard are persuasive reasons to stay put with homes and hotels carved into the tufa limestone Sitting on a rugged hill above the la Gravina ravine and facing Murgia National Park is this breathtaking hotel converted from a church Each stone was carefully removed and replaced to fit an underground system for water and heating—interiors are relatively untouched and feel a million miles from any contemporary design hotel as you would expect from their ancient origins Each opens with a giant metal key and is dimly lit by several cream candles mimicking Matera’s cityscape at early dusk The design is simple: high whitewashed ceilings a stone arch that leads to an open-plan bathroom with a freestanding bath; a king-size bed with hand-woven crisp linen sheets; and dark rustic wooden furnishings The biggest cave is the space that housed the church and its cavernous stone heft is softened with handcrafted ceramic vases stuffed with purple dried flowers and bowls of prickly-jewel cacti fruit sturdy oak tables dressed in linen and laden with a serious breakfast spread of burrata and a bakery-worthy display of fresh-baked Italian bread SavelletriYou can experience the most amazing authentic Puglian breakfast at the Agricola Monte: fresh cured ham scrambled eggs from the chickens you can hear clucking across the driveway sticky honey from the hives at the end of the garden and jams—the result of the previous season’s orchard leftovers stock up aromatic green olive oil from the surrounding groves All this is a five-minute stroll through the immaculate farmland of Masseria Alchimia Swiss owner Caroline Groszer's labor of love She has transformed the whitewashed masseria creating a handful of absurdly well-priced apartments Groszer’s aesthetic is considered and crisp—wishbone chairs and retro lights paired with bespoke glass art and private terraces with Acapulco chairs for catching the last of the afternoon sun Rooms come with kitchenettes (pastel-colored Smeg toasters with fresh ground beans ready to use) so that you can whip up the spoils from the farm into a light supper a towering palm—the emblem of the Masseria—and a sweet set of swings and a slide A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller. It has been updated since its original publish date. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world A majestic 17th century castle in the heart of southern Puglia, Italy has undergone a €10 million (£8.9 million/$11.7 million) transformation to become an art culinary institute It's called the Puglia Culinary Centre and it operates in partnership with The Culinary Institute of America Along with the state-of-the-art cooking school, the 4,500 square metre castle — which dates back to the Messapians in 8th century BC — now also houses a luxury boutique hotel named after the historical town of Ugento in which it is situated and has been under their ownership ever since The property is now co-owned by Massimo Fasanella d'Amore di Ruffano In the 1600s Nicola and Francesco d'Amore transformed what was then a military fort — sat at the top of a hill to protect the land and village below it — into a lavish palace It boasted elegant salons on the first floor and ceilings "soaring into the star-shaped vaults typical of Salentine architecture decorated with a glorious mythological cycle of frescoes." But over the past 100 years the castle has slowly decayed and art historians were appointed in 2013 to "breathe new life into the dormant Castello" as well as improve its comfort and technology all while respecting its ancient history Scroll down for a look at the incredible restoration of the castle that's home to over 1,000 years of history and persimmons to pick while in winter melons © 2023 Hudson One Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy Nice. What’s the crowd like? Travelers tend to flock to Puglia for its beaches and charming seaside towns, but Castello di Ugento draws the more refined and stylish portion of that set. You'll see lots of couples on a romantic getaway, and travelers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, for whom food and dining is a crucial element of any vacation. If you had to award a trophy to a member of the staff, who would you award a trophy to and what did they do to earn it?Hats off to the owners, who live on-site and amble over to the main building to make espresso for their guests each morning. What else shouldn't be missed?The restaurant has been covered, but deserves emphasis: eat there! One wing of the castle is an art museum. The fragrant gardens, which are immaculately groomed, deserve your time and attention. You're not here for bells-and-whistles amenities, you're here to take in the surroundings and dive into la dolce vita. Bottom line: worth it, and why?You're in a luxury castle in Puglia, between the Ionian and Adriatic seas, where you can savor great food, wine, and art. Living like an Italian royal for your stay is worth every penny. ShareSaveLifestyleTravelA 17th Century Castle Is Reborn In PugliaByLivia Hengel Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Livia Hengel is a travel journalist covering Italy 10:00am EDTShareSaveThis article is more than 5 years old.Castello di Ugento is a castle-turned-luxury hotel in Salento Although the Italian territory has a long and illustrious history Italy’s identity as a country has a much shorter history That’s because prior to Italian Unification in 1861 Italy was divided into a number of city states and kingdoms vying for power is home to hundreds of castles and royal palaces that belonged to powerful noble families - and many of these have been passed down for generations These historical monuments often possess austere exteriors while others have since been transformed into luxury hotels that welcome guests inside with a warm and convivial atmosphere The castle's décor is design-forward and fresh juxtaposing contemporary design elements with .. Castello di Ugento a 17th century castle located in Puglia’s southern Salento region The honey-colored fortress towers over the sleepy town of Ugento but within its walls lies a dynamic space that unites the best of Italian hospitality Originally built on ancient Messapian remains the castle was destroyed and rebuilt over centuries until the Marquis d’Amore The castle has remained in the family ever since The draw of the Castello di Ugento may be its proximity to one of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines .. More but it’s the home’s unique transformation that sets it apart from our hotels in the area “The story of the Castello di Ugento is a real storia d’amore former Marketing Manager at Colgate Palmolive as well as at iconic brand Christofle they embarked on restoring the property in 2014 and he always dreamed of restoring it so we decided to embark on the project together.” Bianchi began restoring the Castello di Ugento in 2014 The final result is a property that has a historic soul with modern touches The décor is design-forward and fresh - juxtaposing contemporary design elements with antique and vintage family pieces Rooms are equipped with the latest technology and the property was designed with sustainability in mind: solar panels produce hot water geo-thermal wells generate heat and LED lighting technology is present throughout the Alcova di Diana features an original 18th century .. More alcove and has a private terrace and balcony “We are definitely here to exalt Italy: its design Almost everything you see is Made In Italy and we’re very proud to have our guests come and experience the beauty of Italian excellence,” says Ms The Master Suites on the first floor have soaring vaulted ceilings and original 18th century decorated alcoves that frame the king-sized beds while bathrooms feature the "pietra leccese" The Alcova di Diana also has a separate living room and a private terrace for sunbathing the Castello di Ugento is an intimate hotel with just 9 suites making it an evocative stay for those seeking romance “Massimo and I are often here to greet guests and welcome them with an aperitivo outside in the garden Many guests end up mingling and even forming friendships; it’s one of the benefits of having a small property,” says Ms Guests can enjoy dining al fresco in the castle's courtyard during the summer months d’Amore strove to create a home that was not only luxurious but also innovative and self-sufficient “We wanted to ensure that this beautiful monument would live all year long – we didn’t want it to be just another hotel open during the beach season,” explains Ms “In order to offer the level of service and quality we were looking for we had to stay open through the winter months That’s how the cookery school came into the picture.” The Puglia Culinary Centre introduces students from the Culinary Institute of America to Italy's .. Overseen by Chef Odette Fada, the Puglia Culinary Centre is a state-of-the-art cooking school for professionals and food enthusiasts alike the school hosts students from the Culinary Institute of America for an intensive concentration in Italian Cuisine that introduces them to the country’s diverse regional cuisines with an emphasis on seasonality and local ingredients Hotel guests can also take part in cooking classes or enjoy a meal seated at the Chef’s Table a private dining experience held in the Castello’s kitchen Chef Tommaso Sanguedolce reinterprets Puglia's traditional dishes at Il Tempo Nuovo restaurant Food and wine are an integral part of experience and Il Tempo Nuovo the menu changes daily based on his creative inspiration and the seasons produce freshly picked within the Castle’s Walled Garden Ravioli with pecorino in a minty zucchini scapece sauce and a curry cake with grilled peaches and almond sorbet are just some of the highlights you can look forward to The breakfast spread is equally tantalizing homemade fruit preserves and an à la carte menu Guests looking for an exclusive dining experience can have a candlelit dinner beneath 17th century .. the culinary side and now we’re developing the artistic and cultural side of the property,” says Ms “We like to exhibit artists in our space and currently have works by Nathalie Decoster on display We’re also developing an artist-in-residence program to invite artists to come interpret the region.” Castello di Ugento is booked up through the fall “Just like Tuscany is a beautiful region even when it rains there are many wonderful reasons to come visit Puglia outside of the summer season.” Some experiences guests can look forward to this fall include participating in a grape or olive harvest horse riding through dunes by the sea and exploring hidden artisan workshops in nearby towns and cities Guests can enjoy strolling through the castle's walled garden Castello di Ugento will be open until December 8th Away from Italy’s tourist hotspots of Bari this revamped 17th-century castle (and family home) immerses guests in southern Italian culture with its world-class cookery school artistic flair and surprisingly green eco-credentials Get your weekly dose of armchair travelling Pope Francis turned his thoughts to the season of Advent and the coming of a new liturgical year as he met with pilgrims from two Dioceses in the south east part of Italy In his remarks to pilgrims from the Dioceses of Ugento-Santa Maria di Leuca and Molfetta-Ruvo-Giovinazzo-Terlizzi Pope Francis said that the time of Advent is a time of “consolation and hope,” the beginning of “a new liturgical year which brings with it the newness of our God who is the ‘God of every consolation.’” The Holy Father called to mind a former Bishop of Molfetta “We are inclined to new things because we are born for great things.” It’s true should not be spent in waiting for things which may never arrive; but in expectation in the desire for the Lord “who always brings newness.” He explained this does not mean waiting around doing nothing “are called to keep and spread the joy of anticipation: we await God waits for us” to be with Him forever in Heaven “I hope you will live out Advent in this way,” Pope Francis said “as a time of consoling newness and joyful expectation.” Quoting Don Tonino once again he said this world often seems full of fear – but that Advent responds to this with “the Gospel of Fearlessness,” the opposite of fear Two words from the Gospel of the First Sunday of Advent sum up this message: “Look up,” and “raise up your heads.” If fear is holding us down “Jesus invites you to turn your gaze to heaven Pope Francis noted that the pilgrims – who come from Dioceses bordering the Mediterranean – “know well the beauty of the sea.” Looking out on the sea “you can think about the meaning of life: embraced by God but are called to leave the shore” and “venture out in to the open sea.” “Let us embrace the invitation of the Gospel,” the Pope said let us turn our gaze to heaven,” he concluded “we will feel the need to open our hands to our neighbour – and the consolation that we know how to give will heal our fears.” Thank you for reading our article. 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Just click here MENUCULTUREThe Ultimate Guide to Puglia Italy: How to Travel Well in “the New Tuscany”Where to eat and play in Italy’s hottest new destination Located at the southernmost “heel” of the Italy boot and locally-sourced cuisine has landed the region on our vacation hot map The most important decision you’ll make each day and known for using exclusively local products; it’s common that a restaurant or hotel even makes their own olive oil head to the picturesque village of Alberobello known for its trulli architecture and regional cooking Be sure to order the staples such as eggplant caponata where you’ll be greeted by a lavish antipasto bar that changes nightly Expect an array of fresh vegetables from chicory and peppers to beets and the best tomato focaccia you’ll ever have freshly baked by the mother of one of the waiters choose from an option of traditional cuisine For those looking for an unforgettable fine dining experience which also happens to be the most Instagrammed restaurant in Italy your prix-fixe meal is served by suit-clad waiters and set to a soundtrack of live classical music and panoramic views of both the Adriatic Sea and a bat-laden cave Another not-to-be-missed dining experience is a candlelit dinner at Masseria Frantoio From the doughy pasta to apple tarte tatin, everything is homemade by a kitchen of nonnas who whip up simple from spaghetti al pomodoro to zucchini fritters they also make their own olive oil on site make sure you get lost in its idyllic medieval towns Start your journey in the northernmost province of Matera and visit the historical center of Sassi in which you’ll find the Park of the Rupestrian Churches and churches which have been naturally carved into the volcanic hillside over the course of 800 years Known as the “city of caves,” the medieval town has re-appropriated its landscape into dreamy cave hotels and atmospheric restaurants which overlook the city Puglia is also known for its paradisal rock beach swimming alcoves and hidden grottos The best swimming holes are clustered at the southernmost point of Puglia on the eastern coastline Do not miss Grotta Verde in the town of Andrano a strictly local spot with an illuminated swimming cave The best of the swimming alcoves are rustic and service-free so make sure to bring your own towel and umbrella to spread out with locals on the rocks To properly take in traditional Trulli culture the most famous UNESCO town in Puglia which looks like a white-washed hobbit village but there are plenty of worthwhile souvenir stores to wander into which sell local ceramics and regional mandarin and lemon liqueurs Alberobello is also known for its killer restaurants so make sure to book one in advance as they’re often filled up Another must-see town is the municipality of Ostuni peruse the local crafts stores such as a sandal window on Via Cattedrale where you can customize your own leather sandals Try to visit Ostuni on a Saturday so you don’t miss the Saturday morning market where you’ll find local vendors selling crafts and fresh produce spend a day at hotel Furnirussi Tenuta and relax by the natural pool or work out in the outdoor gym Order simply: the homemade spaghetti al pomodoro is a knock out and end your day with a twilight stroll through the hotel’s fig plantation Puglia is known for its three different types of architecture: trulli (coned huts) try to stay at all three types of classic Puglian accommodations the eight-room property boasts six gardens that are laden with lemon trees and hammocks and the suites boast private terraces with outdoor baths overlooking the region There’s a croquet pitch with an accompanying closet of lavish sun hats to complete your look There’s also a sulfur pool in the property’s cave-turned-spa area and pizza making lessons in a state-of-the-art kitchen Enjoy your evening aperitivo on the masseria’s roof or beneath their vine covered pillow-strewn outdoor fireplace For those who’ve always wondered what it would be like to live in a castle an 800-year-old castle which opened its doors to the public for the first time ever in May The hotel is a seamless blend of modern and medieval charm surrounded by the original moat that once protected the castle Owners Massimo d’Amore and Diana Bianchi’s objective is to make your stay an intimate one so you’ll feel as if the castle is your own private home and Bianchi personally welcomes each guest inside the fairytale vegetable garden each evening to enjoy an idyllic aperitivo The thing you can count on at Ugento is a good meal and trust us when we say that dinner inside the castle’s majestic courtyard cannot be missed fully functioning farm with olive and lemon groves Owned and operated by the same family for three generations you’ll get the feeling of what its like to live like a local in the countryside Dogs and wild cats roam freely throughout the property You’ll often find the owner cracking and shelling almonds near the entrance and you’ll see carts of figs and tomatoes drying out in the sun While the trullo serves a proper breakfast any daytime snack you can forage for yourself on the property They are the most mouth-watering figs you will ever consume with high tem­per­a­tures caus­ing delays in oper­a­tions to pre­vent spoilage of olives Apulia intro­duced a night olive har­vest to pre­serve the qual­ity of extra vir­gin olive oil aim­ing to set a new stan­dard for olive oil pro­duc­tion in the region Olive har­vesters in Italy are get­ting busy despite the hap­haz­ard weather con­di­tions with rain­falls and cold in Northern and Central regions and almost sum­mer-like tem­per­a­tures in the South The high tem­per­a­tures caused oper­a­tions to stop for some days high tem­per­a­tures can ruin the har­vest often caus­ing fusty or mouldy olive oil as a final prod­uct This is what hap­pens when olives are stored for long time before being processed caus­ing an anaer­o­bic fer­men­ta­tion that wastes them; the longer they stay and if it is warm the fer­men­ta­tion goes quicker envi­ron­men­tal tem­per­a­ture can also affect the olive oil inten­sity and other aro­matic fea­tures During the early pick­ing of olives in Ugento and the sur­round­ings — an area blessed with sunny weather and warm tem­per­a­tures almost all year long — the fruit’s tem­per­a­ture after it’s been pulled reaches and exceeds 27°C (80.6°F) both before the press­ing and dur­ing the pro­cess­ing thus void­ing what the cur­rent reg­u­la­tions define as ​“cold extrac­tion.” An orig­i­nal solu­tion was pro­posed by the olive farm Forestaforte a small vil­lage in Apulia whose econ­omy is mostly based on agri­cul­ture and wine and oil pro­duc­tion on the 16th October the Forestaforte olive­yard hosted a night olive har­vest Having been already imple­mented for the wine grapes har­vest in Sicily the night pick­ing was an absolute inno­va­tion for olive har­vest­ing in Italy This was not only a pro­mo­tional ini­tia­tive This was the core of the research project launched by Coldiretti Lecce (the local branch of the National Growers Federation) together with the University of Salento the Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA-CNR) the Multilab of the local Chamber of Commerce that was pre­sented in Ugento dur­ing a con­fer­ence about the new Common Agricultural Policy and its effects on olive oil pro­duc­tion in Apulia and Salento The con­fer­ence was held at the New Archaelogical Museum of Ugento and also fea­tured the speeches by: Massimo Gargano Unaprol (“The ter­ri­tory as an asset”); Pietro Sandali Coldiretti (“The new CAP 2014 – 2020 does not dam­age extra vir­gin olive oil”); prof University of Perugia (“New tech­no­log­i­cal approachs to Italian high qual­ity olive oils”); Carmelo Buttazzo Apulia Olive Grower’s Association (“Experimentation in the field”) “High tem­per­a­tures occur­ring dur­ing the day,” explained Pantaleo Piccinno ​“can deter­mine a loss of scents in the oil can be pre­served with a night har­vest at lower tem­per­a­tures With this ambi­tious exper­i­men­ta­tion we want to raise the bar of qual­ity to strengthen in the col­lec­tive imag­i­na­tion the asso­ci­a­tion between Apulia and the high qual­ity extra vir­gin olive oil.” The night har­vest, that also hosted a tast­ing of local prod­ucts and freshly pressed extra vir­gin olive oil took place in one of the olive groves of Forestaforte named ​“Cisterna del Serpe” (Snake’s Cistern) It was a moment knowl­edge-shar­ing and expe­ri­ence Several sam­ples will be col­lected dur­ing the night har­vests aim­ing to test — both the chem­i­cal and sen­sory aspects — the evo­lu­tion of the aromatic/volatile ele­ments often lack­ing in the local extra vir­gin oils obtained from early-har­vested olives The strat­egy could serve as an exam­ple for other Italian and inter­na­tional olive oil pro­duc­ers More articles on:  Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Italian olive oil, Italy Unidentified Issue Triggering Early Fruit Drop in Northern Italy Farmers are concerned about widespread and unexplained instances of immature olives falling in Frantoio groves Extreme weather is thought to be the cause New Research Sheds Light on Changing Nature of Droughts researchers found that rising global temperatures are making droughts longer and more severe Rising Value of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Exports Boosts Italy’s Agrifood Sector A 45% surge in Italian extra virgin olive oil export value contributed significantly to the nation's record-breaking €69 billion in agri-food exports Celebrated Sicilian Farmer Preserves Traditional Landscapes, Cultivars The producers behind Agrestis have won five World Competition Gold Awards for the endemic Tonda Iblea monovarietal cultivated in Sicily’s southern mountains Revitalizing Salento: Entrepreneurs Fight Xylella with New Ideas Puglia's new generation of entrepreneurs is reviving the region's devastated olive industry using innovative ideas and technologies to rebuild Panettone Gets a Healthy Upgrade The beloved Christmas cake is attracting new fans in Italy thanks to a change to its traditional ingredients Drought and Warm Winter Lead to Sharp Decline in Sicily's Harvest producers across Sicily anticipate significantly lower olive oil production Study Suggests Stink Bug Caused Mysterious Fruit Drop in Italy The brown marmorated stink bug has been identified in Italian and Greek olive groves Increasing evidence now links its presence to an early fruit drop in northern Italy