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Masseria La Fonte
Premier developers, architects, interior designers and real estate agents from across Europe gathered at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London on Tuesday, September 22nd where, in the presence of the Ear... READ MORE
This exhibition features 30 photographs by renowned international photographer Ferdinando Scianna. The dates have been extended because of popular demand.
The evocative images, in the stunning setting of Casa Cava, feature women of many ages and f... READ MORE
The fifth edition of this spectacular event features amazing light, sound and drama. More than 60 costumed participants and 15 horseback riders in Matera's old town and the sassi neighbourhoods recreate the Processo a Gesù (Procession of Christ) in ... READ MORE
The south of Italy continues to bask in the international media spotlight. The BBC's popular programme Italy Unpacked returned for a third series this week and the opening show featured Puglia and Basilicata.
In Italy Unpacked, the show's presente... READ MORE
Open Data Day is “a gathering of citizens in cities around the world to write applications, liberate data, create visualizations and publish analyses using open public data to show support for and encourage the adoption open data policies by the wo... READ MORE
The death of the famous film director on January 10, 2015 at age 92, has prompted this affectionate tribute which will be held in Palazzo Lanfranchi, Matera on January 23 and 30.
Rosi was an honorary citizen of Matera and three of his most importa... READ MORE
This exhibition has been extended into late January by popular demand and if things go on the way they are, will probably be extended again. It has already attracted 16,000 visitors to Matera, the European Capital of Culture 2019.
Held at the city... READ MORE
This is the first edition of the Alberobello Light Festival and it promises to be a spectacular occasion. The world-famous trulli houses in the seven streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rione Monti have been garlanded with twinkling lights w... READ MORE
That great icon of 20th century Italian art Ugo Nespolo is being celebrated in a retrospective which highlights some of the most important stages in his artistic life.
The exhibition will also feature a series of new works in mixed media on paper ... READ MORE
Puglia Promozione have arranged this series of 200 different events which runs from 15 November, 2014 to 6 January, 2015. The aim is to share Salento's heritage with the public and thus churches and castles, museums and masserias, artisan workshops a... READ MORE
This Friday sees the launch of a season of classical music and ballet organised by the Fondazione ICO Tito Schipa of Lecce. The opening evening is dedicated to Tchaikovsky and will be conducted by Salvatore Accardo who is also the violin soloist.
... READ MORE
The citizens of Matera are celebrating this afternoon as the beautiful, unique city has just been selected as the European Capital of Culture 2019.
Set in stunning landscape, unforgettable Matera is one of the world's most ancient cities, its cave... READ MORE
ESSENTIS PROPERTIES won the top five-star award in the best individual property in Italy for Masseria La Spinetta in the European Property Awards. This is the fourth year running Essentis has won the coveted five stars and CEO Francesco Carlucci c... READ MORE
The town of Campi Salentina in the province of Lecce opens its courtyards, streets, piazzas and its heart to visitors and locals alike on two days in October.
Campi's name has been turned into an acronym to demonstrate what the event is all about ... READ MORE
Sunday, 12 October will be a special day for families with children from 2 to 12 years old as the second national “Families at the Museum” event takes place throughout Italy.
Designed to help children and their parents discover the fascinating... READ MORE
Organised by the city of Aradeo with the support of the comune of Lecce and the region of Puglia, this international festival, held over six days in some of Salento's most beautiful locations, celebrates the folkloric tradition of the countries of th... READ MORE
Pier Paolo Pasolini is one of Italy's great cultural icons whose talents spanned many disciplines. Film director, poet, philosopher, actor, painter, journalist and much, much more, Pasolini was a true intellectual colossus whose influence is still fe... READ MORE
The fifth edition of this festival dedicated to baroque and contemporary music takes place in Puglia under the artistic direction of Gioacchino de Padova.
Featuring over 200 talented musicians, each a specialist in their field, the 30 Anima Mea co... READ MORE
Taking place in the city of Lecce in Salento, Puglia, this series of classical concerts under the direction of brilliant young Russian conductor Stanislav Kochanovsky features five of the best pianists in Italy and the Orchestra Sinfonica Tito Schipa... READ MORE
The full title of this exhibition is intended to intrigue. “Il Mito di Leonardo a Otranto. Monna Lisa e la Gioconda nuda attraverso cinque secoli” translates as “The myth of Leonardo at Otranto. Mona Lisa and the nude Gioconda over five centuri... READ MORE
The 18th edition of this unique event takes place in the Castel dei Mondi in Andria, Puglia over ten days.
Part theatrical experience, part artwork, with audience participation encouraged and applauded, this innovative festival has been received w... READ MORE
For many years, Puglia's Movimento Turismo di Vino has run a series of events in August to showcase not only the wine and wine producers of the region but the cultural and artistic resources that Puglia has in abundance.
The evocatively named Cali... READ MORE
Released this summer, Walking on Sunshine is the feel-good romantic movie of the year, complete with 1980s soundtrack (think Bananarama, Madonna, George Michael) and obligatory complicated love story. Much of the filming was done in Puglia's glorious... READ MORE
After the great success of last year's inaugural event, the second edition of this festival dedicated to short films, videoclips and more from around the world promises to be even more exciting.
More than 500 entries have been received for conside... READ MORE
The eleventh edition of the Festa di Cinema del Reale has a three-pronged theme that itself evokes a sense of mystery: Strade/ Finzioni/ Magìe: Roads/Fictions/Magic.
The four-day programme explores a world that inhabits that shadowy middle ground... READ MORE
Essentis has won an award in the European Property Awards, this time with Masseria La Spinetta. We don't yet know which prize we have won, the official announcements will be made at the European Property Awards Summit and Gala on the 14th October 20... READ MORE
The second series of the popular BBC series Italy Unpacked is being filmed at the moment. The crew have been in Ostuni in Salento – known as the “White City” - for a Puglia segment to be aired in January 2015.
Italy Unpacked is presented by ... READ MORE
The Festa di Santa Domenica is famous for its breathtaking illuminated displays, and is an absolute must-see if you are visiting the area.
Ostensibly, the festival celebrates the patron saint of the municipality of Scorrano, but over the years has... READ MORE
Salento is known as “the gateway to the east” and has always been a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. So it's the perfect choice of location for a festival totally dedicated to indie films.
Cinema is a highly powerful communica... READ MORE
Returning for its fourth year in succession, this summer event allows visitors to get to know more about the Pugliese rural tradition by spending a notte bianca in a masseria – or even more than one. The phrase notte bianca (white night) basically ... READ MORE
Some of the most important artists of the Salentino – Grico music scene take part in the fifth edition of this very special event in the heart of Salento, as well as other important figures in the world of popular music such as guitarist Marco Poet... READ MORE
ESSENTIS CEO Francesco Carlucci is quoted in a Sunday Times article on 1 June, 2014 which discusses the growing popularity of Puglia as a place for foreigner buyers to invest in property.
The article describes Carlucci as having “ corn... READ MORE
One of the highlights of summer in Puglia returns this week and its celebrating a significant birthday!
Bari in Jazz is marking its tenth edition with a 12-day series of international jazz concerts and shows featuring everything from impro... READ MORE
The clue to this exciting national fair is in the name, a mix of cibo (food) and arti (arts). It focusses on the products and the produce of artisans in both fields, giving individuals, businesses, consortiums and institutions an opportunity to showc... READ MORE
Matera, one of the five oldest cities in the world, is one of the shortlisted cities for European Capital of Culture 2019.
The final decision will be announced in 2015, but just being on the shortlist can have a significant effect on the... READ MORE
It's a little like leafing through the pages of a family album. The names themselves don't reveal much, if anything. But ask the right questions, dig a little deeper and you'll be richly rewarded.
This 20th edition of Cortili Aperti (ope... READ MORE
The 2014 list of Blue Flag Beaches in Italy has been published and as always Puglia features strongly with ten of its lovely beaches getting the official thumbs up. Yet another reason to visit or buy in this up and coming location.
Here is the lis... READ MORE
The city of Terlizzi is preparing for three days and nights of medieval splendour the festival to be held at the S. Maria di Cesano complex.
Costumed figures, theatrical reconstructions and re-enactments, duels, dance, music, acrobats, fire-eaters... READ MORE
1 Accessibility. Puglia may be located in the heel of Italy's boot, but it is served by not one but two international airports at Bari and Brindisi.
2 Weather. The tip of the heel, Salento, has 300 sunny days a year... READ MORE
The Gelato Festival is a celebration of Italian ice cream making, its rich traditions and quality ingredients are highlighted as well as the care and work that goes into its production. The event was created in 2010 in Florence with the idea of celeb... READ MORE
Last week saw the lovely Baroque city of Lecce in Salento play host to the great and the good at the 15th edition of the annual Lecce European Film festival.
Claudia Cardinale
Italian film legend Claudia Cardinale was one of the VIP guests and th... READ MORE
Puglia has long been the holiday destination of choice for many Italians. Their little secret, if you like. Now word is out and a growing number of foreign visitors are discovering the delights of this unique region for themselves. With the increase ... READ MORE
On top of its other achievements (like being on the shortlist for European Capital of Culture 2019 and being declared as “La citta' piu' tranquilla d'Italia” in the 2013 Criminalita' Sole 24 Ore report , the ancient city of Matera has just been v... READ MORE
Salento? It's one of Italy's best kept secrets. At the bottom of the heel of Italy's boot, it's a peninsula lying between two seas (the Ionian and Adriatic) and beats the oh-so-traditional Tuscany, Venice and Rome into a cocked hat! Her... READ MORE
Looking up at the intricate star and barrel vaulted ceilings of an Essentis masseria and it almost defies belief that there is no mortar. The stone is so accurately cut that the pieces fit together perfectly.
The stonemasons wo... READ MORE
Tuscany, with its patchwork fields, medieval cities, cypress-lined avenues and farmhouse-topped green hills has held foreigners in its thrall for centuries. Every year the region attracts over 14 million visitors, with its capital city Florence accou... READ MORE
This is the 16th edition of a two-month series of events celebrating and highlighting the many roles woman play in the social and cultural life of the community.
Organised by the Culture, Event and Tourism Department of the Lecce city council in col... READ MORE
The show devotes three entire days to every aspect of Italian olive production from growing and harvesting to making and distributing this liquid gold.There are numerous experts from various disciplines on hand to explain and analyse the journey from... READ MORE
Salento used to be part of the ancient area known as Magna Grecia. Evidence of this heritage still remains today: grika – a variation of the Greek language, is still spoken in the region and can be seen on shop signs and calendars.
The “Carnev... READ MORE
The municipal administration of the town of Gallipoli and the Fabbrica del Carnevale, proudly present the programme for the 2014 Gallipoli Carnival, this year marking the 73rd edition of this exciting event.
The theme for this year is a homage to Wa... READ MORE
Multi award-winning Bari-born artist Marzulli excels at painting the human body and her highly realistic and technically perfect art features men, women and children in dreamlike states against empty backgrounds.
This exhibition has many previously ... READ MORE
This inter-regional competition celebrating the culinary arts is organized by the Associazione Cuochi Materani (Association of Matera Chefs) where there is also an opportunity to see an exhibition by local gastronomy companies as well as sample typic... READ MORE
The tango is much loved the world over and from the 17 January, dance fans in Lecce, Salento can enjoy a whole event dedicated to this iconic dance. The second edition of “Inverno Porteno”, is entitled “L’ALTRA META’ DEL TANGO”, best tran... READ MORE
On the 16, 17 and 18 January every year in Novoli (in Lecce province) the town creates the biggest bonfire in the Mediterranean in honour of its patron saint, Saint Antonio Abate. This unique event brings visitors from near and far to enjoy the spect... READ MORE
The former Convento dei Teatini is the location for this display from Salento artisans, when Christmas cribs of all types, from papier mâché to terracotta, will be on display. There will be over a hundred exhibitors from Lecce and beyond displaying... READ MORE
Plenty of advance warning here for this beautiful event, the fourth edition of the Presepe Vivente, or “living Christmas Crib”, which will be held in the atmospheric sassi of Matera.
There can be few places on earth which can manage to recreat... READ MORE
This three-day celebration of the mushroom in all its amazing and varied forms features recipes from the Salentino area, both traditional and avant garde, all washed down with a glass or two of vino novello, the first wine of this year's grape harves... READ MORE
Essentis Properties was recently featured in The South China Morning Post.
You can read the article here.
[caption id="attachment_6091" align="aligncenter" width="189"] The South China Morning Post[/caption]... READ MORE
The 11th of November is San Martino's Day and marks the time when “il mosto diventa vino” - the grape must becomes wine. It is when the fresh young wine from this season's harvest is opened and tasted.
Traditionally, the vino novello is accompan... READ MORE
There is something for everyone at this fair, which began around the year 1000 AD. Originally agricultural in nature, giving people a chance to prepare for the coming winter by exchanging tools and goods, it is now a much more diverse event.
Local i... READ MORE
This special feast celebrates the olive harvest. The volia cazzata in the name refers to olives which have been crushed by hand and left to mature in water 15 days before the festivities begin. The sagra takes its inspiration from the old days when p... READ MORE
Early October sees the eighth edition of this national event which celebrates ice cream, cakes, chocolate and artisan made food. Professionals from all over Salento and the central south of Italy will be attending and there are numerous tastings, wor... READ MORE
Essentis Properties received a five-star European Property Award for BEST ARCHITECTURE SINGLE RESIDENCE ITALY for their project The Invisible House from the International Property Awardssponsored by Virgin Atlantic and Yamaha. The award was presented... READ MORE
A wonderful exhibition of over 500 puppets, masks and marionettes as well as mini workshops and much more.
Where: Castello di Copertino (LE)
Price: Free entry
When: 28 September to 2 November 2013
Website: (in Italian) Click here
 ... READ MORE
This religious festival including music, fireworks and food honours the patron saint of Copertino, San Giuseppe, the “flying saint” who is, logically, also the patron saint of pilots. San Giuseppe automatically passed his priest's exam without ha... READ MORE
This year marks the first edition of this series of classical concerts, the brainchild of Salento-born composer Ivan Fidele, the artistic director of the Tito Schipa Symphony Orchestra.
The whole programme is devoted to Mozart and will be held in ... READ MORE
This year marks the tenth edition of this special event. It concludes with a guided tour by candlelight and starlight of the “Cenate” villas of Nardò, including art, music, food and wine. The “Cenate” are splendid examples of rural architect... READ MORE
Dating back to 1975, this event is considered the “Queen of Salentino Festivals.” It is not connected to any religious celebration or figure, but aims to promote local tradition through music, theatre, poetry and dance.
It is a very popular ev... READ MORE
Starting on 6th August, the 16th edition of this increasingly popular festival is a 15-date series of concerts around Salento.
With more than 300,000 visitors expected from all over the world, this Italy's biggest festival and one of the largest a... READ MORE
Birra e Sound is the number one European beer festival in Salento, featuring over 100 different kinds of beer, from the most well known to gluten free and artisan made.This year is the 9th edition of this popular event, which last year had over 150,0... READ MORE
Literally translated as “open courtyards and tasting – food with art”, this four-day event in the historic centre of the town of Martano attracts visitors from far and wide.
There are all kinds of events on offer in the piazzas, courtyards a... READ MORE
What could be better than gazing at a star-studded sky on a warm Puglia night?
The Sky Show at Torre Lapillo takes star gazing to a new level. Using the cutting edge mobile digital planetarium and telescopes from the A.S.L.A (Astronomical Associat... READ MORE
This event is one of the most well known and well established in the Salento region of Puglia. People come from far and wide to taste the delicious local dishes, watch and maybe take part in the dancing – including the tarantella - and listen to th... READ MORE
This hugely important festival celebrates Saint Domenica, the much-loved patron saint of the little town of Scorrano near Otranto in Salento.
During the event, the whole area is illuminated by large three dimensional wooden structures and arches c... READ MORE
This is one of the area's most important festas, happening from 28 – 30 June every year. It is famous for its fast and furious tarantella dancing accompanied by tambourines.
Galatina has two patron saints, San Pietro and San Paolo. Legend has it... READ MORE
Soundmakers is a multidisciplinary festival which promotes creativity and experiment in the arts. It is centred on the idea that the arts have a teaching role in modern society as well as being for entertainment.
Featuring theatre, photography, vi... READ MORE
After its successful showings of works by Picasso, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol, Otranto castle is now hosting an exhibition dedicated to the “father of metaphysical painting”, Greek-born Italian artist Giorgio de Chirico. Chirico founded the sc... READ MORE
Discover the most interesting places in the provinces of Lecce, Brindisi and Taranto by bicycle.
The Massapia Bicycle Tour combines culture and sport, exercising both mind and body in the discovery of the fascinating history of Salento in Puglia, ... READ MORE
This year marks the 15th edition of the Fiera delle Campanelle, which means the Fair of the Bells.
This charmingly named exhibition has bells of all kinds, and features those seen in the photo, which are made of terracotta and hand decorated in th... READ MORE
Organised by Italian Wine Tourism Movement throughout Italy, this is an occasion not to be missed, especially in Salento.
For all wine loving tourists, Sunday 26 May is “open cantina” day, when hundreds of wineries open their doors for tasting... READ MORE
The aim of this event is to use art to make people aware of the environment and culture of Salento, especially important now that the city of Lecce is a contender for the European Capital of Culture 2019.
The whole city will become one 400 metre l... READ MORE
The aim of this event is to use art to make people aware of the environment and culture of Salento, especially important now that the city of Lecce is a contender for the European Capital of Culture 2019.
The whole city will become one 400 metre l... READ MORE
Over 100 resorts, hotels, masserie and B&Bs will offer low cost stays in a “come, taste and go” promotion inspired by the new Festival della Dieta Med-Italiana in Lecce, Salento, Puglia, recently elected “Italian Territory of 2013”.
On... READ MORE
This is the 13th edition of the fair, celebrating one of Salento's most well-known craft items – the ceramic whistle.
At the fair there will be a huge range of all kinds of ceramic whistles on display, in a multitude of shapes and colours. The v... READ MORE
Salento in Puglia, where the ESSENTIS projects are located, is a buzzing place with plenty to see and do.
This week's recommendation is the highly acclaimed Museo in Jazz 2013, a series of jazz concerts held in... a museum!
Where: Museo Comunal... READ MORE
Essentis Properties has once again won a top award at the 2012 /2013 European Property Awards. The award was received by the company's CEO Francesco Carlucci.
The best developments, architecture and interior design from across the length and bread... READ MORE
Yet again stunning Salento has worked its magic on people from the silver screen. Italian news agency Ansa reports that French actor Gerard Depardieu is so besotted by the Puglia paradise that he wants to buy a house near Lecce, dubbed 'the Florence ... READ MORE
We have some exciting news. Our entry for the best individual property in Italy the beautiful Masseria Gelsomino won the top prize, a coveted five stars, from judges at the European Property Awards section of the International Property Awards held at... READ MORE
Lecce's ancient Sedile monument was reopened yesterday evening By Lecce's mayor Paolo Perrone along with other dignitaries, revealing newly discovered frescoes. The occasion was also marked by a concert of Baroque Venetian music in Piazza Sant'Oronzo... READ MORE
In Italy the 19th March is a celebration for Saint Giuseppe (Joseph, husband of Mary) and different regions celebrate in their own way, but few in such a spectacular fashion as Minervino di Lecce in Salento, Puglia.
The little town had a magnifi... READ MORE
Maglie has won its battle for recognition as the location of the 18th-century scene portrayed on the historic Stoke on Trent porcelain. The argument had raged between the British town of Portmeirion and the little Pugliese town located in the provinc... READ MORE
A recent article by Alessandra del Re for the Libero news website extols the virtues of this beautiful part of Italy. In it Ms. del Re points out that once summer is over and the crowds have gone, the time is perfect to visit Salento (the tip of the ... READ MORE
A new daily flight to Switzerland departing from Bari will be starting from 6 September. The flights will be operated by Helvetic Airways in codeshare with Swiss International Airlines. There will be a capacity of 100 seats on the Fokker 100 plane wh... READ MORE
The lovely vibrant Salento town of Otranto gets even livelier for three days from 23 - 25 July when it plays host to jazz musicians from all over the world during the second edition of the Otranto Jazz Festival.
Performers include Eddie Gomez, the A... READ MORE
Puglia is celebrating as Bari's Teatroteam is 20 this year and is marking the event with a variety of different shows. They are putting on Flashdance the musical, as well as shows with Beppe Grillo, Arturo Brachetti and Vincenzo Salemme.
There is lo... READ MORE
The Region of Puglia is currently participating in a new initiative: La frutta nelle scuole (Fruit in schools).
The idea started in March this year and involves giving fresh fruit regularly to 71,000 children in 185 primary schools in Puglia. The ai... READ MORE
The body of Padre Pio, now known as San Pio da Pietrelcina, the saint renowned for his healing powers, is to be moved into a new crypt adjacent to his current resting place, the sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie where it has lain since 1968.
The... READ MORE
The councils of Trinitapoli (north of Bari) , San Ferdinando, Canosa and Minervino Murge have decided to link up to launch a project to promote their areas and in particular the Valle dell'Ofanto. This ancient and picturesque valley is a corridor bet... READ MORE
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