The structure, once decorated with noble coats of arms, is now protected by a machicolation at the entrance, a breath of the past that welcomes visitors in an embrace of history. In 1758, on the right side of the tower, the Chapel of the Nativity was built, which can still be visited today and bears witness to the spirituality that has passed through these lands.
Today, thanks to the passion of the Fedele – Piccini family, the Masseria Monacelli has been reborn, preserving the original details such as the flooring of the entrance that bears the ancient signs of the passage of carts.
The skilfully renovated rooms offer an intimate and serene refuge, where the silence and scents of the countryside provide an authentic experience.
Every corner of the masseria has been restored to its original beauty, in a perfect balance of history, nature and comfort. Masseria Monacelli is not just a place to stay, but an emotional journey into the heart of Apulia.
A valuable agricultural complex, located to the northeast of Lecce, with a closed courtyard layout, originally composed of a tower, a mill, animal stables, and a garden well. In a later period, the volume of the building was expanded with the addition of other rooms on the left side of the tower. A small statue once protected the main entrance, while the facade was adorned with four coats of arms bearing the insignia of the owning families that succeeded one another over time.Â
Today, these are irretrievably lost, and the entire complex has long been subjected to the ravages of time. The entrance is defended by a drawbridge with two openings.
A large semi-subterranean “trappeto” (oil press) occupies part of the courtyard.
In the ancient Platea of 1962 of the Badia di Cerrate, it was referred to as Masseria Monacelli.
It belonged to the Cigala family, barons of Castro, but by 1775, it was already part of the assets of the Convent of the Dominican Fathers of St. Giovanni D’Ajmo, Order of Preachers. Its significant dowry consisted of sixteen enclosures covering more than 320 tomoli, containing 11,423 olive trees valued at 481 millstones, 177 oaks, and 100 fig trees.Â
In addition to the tithe of fruits to the Monastery of St. Maria a Cerrate, it was subject to the payment of “erbatica” (one sheep or goat per year), “carnatica” (one piglet for each sow that gave birth), and “monta” (all the cheese and ricotta obtained from one day’s milking).
On the right side of the tower is the Chapel of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, built in 1758, which was visited on March 10, 1888, by Mons. Luigi Zola, Bishop of Lecce. The high prelate found the altar in order, but the painting above it needed restoration. The chalice was good but needed cleaning; the chasuble needed mending; the missal had to be redone; the glory papers needed replacement, but the linen canvases were in good condition. A bell tower rises on the right side of the Chapel.
In 1891, the masseria belonged to Mrs. Lucia Saluzzo, Princess of Bagnara.
As of 1912, it was owned by the Princes of Ruffo and Bagnara.
During the period of land occupation, farmers from Surbo and other surrounding villages invaded and occupied vast uncultivated plots of this masseria.
Known as Municeddri, it is now owned by Mrs. Annalisa Fedele Piccini, who has started, with notable determination, the renovation of the entire agricultural complex and the intensification of the olive grove.
masseria monacelli
The rooms at Masseria Monacelli combine history and comfort. The Suites, on the first floor, offer an exclusive view of the inner courtyard, with elegant details such as the four-poster bed and the fireplace, witnesses to a noble past. The Junior Suites, located in the ancient buildings, preserve the charm of the barrel vaults and offer spacious and refined spaces. The Superior Rooms, bright and cosy, overlook a citrus grove, with antique floors and wrought-iron beds, offering an authentic experience immersed in nature.
masseria monacelli
The ‘Rifugio del Re’ restaurant offers a unique experience of conviviality and charm, with a paved garden offering a thrilling view of the estate’s olive grove; perfect for spring and summer evenings.
