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 Earl of Caithness, the results of the European Property Awards were announced.
Essentis Properties won for the fifth year running, this time picking up three awards:
Masseria Helena won the Five Star award for Best Property Single Unit, Italy.
Masseria La Fonte won Five Stars for the Best Interior Design of a Private Residence in Italy and Best Architecture Single Residence, Italy.
Masseria Helena goes forward to represent the European region in the 2015-2016 International Property Awards in the category of Best Property, Single Unit. The awards ceremony will be held in London on December 7th, 2015.
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 the Mediterranean basin.
North African music, dance, workshops, food and crafts all combine together in a spectacular kaleidoscope of artistic expression. The young performers are mainly from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia and the aim is to promote international relations by focussing on shared cultural ties rather than national differences.
Where: In and around Aradeo, Lecce, Puglia
Price: Free of charge
When: 1- 6 October, 2014
Website: (in Italian) Click here
Claudia Cardinale
Italian film legend Claudia Cardinale was one of the VIP guests and the festival showcased some of the most important films of her career as well as a photographic exhibition featuring this much-loved actress. The festival is just one of numerous international events that take place in Salento every year. It is a buzzing place with a lively arts scene and its young population are among Italy's most motivated and talented creatives. Choosing this location to build the ESSENTIS signature masseria villas was no accident as their innovative designs fit perfectly with the Salento ethos of dynamic and enterprising craftsmanship.
One of the masseria villas available for rent
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! Here are six reasons why:
1. Accessibility. It's got two international airports, Bari and Brindisi, so you could be on the beach a couple of hours after you've plucked your luggage from the carousel.
2. Beaches. From white and sandy to dramatic and rugged, Salento is blessed with more than its fair share of places to swim, sunbathe, sail and sleep. Added bonus? They're Blue Flag too!
3. Cities. Where to begin? There's the lovely port of Otranto and the white city of Ostuni. You've been to Florence in Tuscany, so how about the “Florence of the south” – Lecce? It's got a Roman amphitheatre, smart shops, curly wurly Baroque architecture in fetching shades of white and a lively, friendly vibe that the “other” Florence lacks.
4. Designer shopping. Puglia may be a little less well known to foreign tourists, but the Italians have long known about this corner of their country and its fabulous shops too. MaxMara Missoni... you get the picture.
5. Entertainment. Whether you are sporty or slothful, a culture vulture or a foodie, Salento has something for you. You can walk, ride, cycle, drive, play golf or sail. Then tuck in to the freshest food you'll ever taste and the most delicious wine at one of the many reasonably priced restaurants. Take a stroll to a movie theatre or an open air show, stopping for a delicious home made gelato on the way.
6. Friendliness. Salento's locals are not jaded and fed up with tourists like residents of certain other more famous places that shall not be named! (OK, Florence, Rome, Venice.) They are open and outgoing and just love to share their beautiful area with visitors. Speak even a little Italian and you will be richly rewarded.
If you are tempted, then don't forget we have a small luxurious range of exclusive masseria villas available for rent in Salento.
The South China Morning Post[/caption]
Bastoni & Burattini[/caption]
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 of the South'
Depardieu is a frequent visitor to Salento, and has spent many happy hours as the guest of friends who own properties in the area. According to reports he is also a great fan of cucina salentina Salento cooking and loves visiting the restaurants of the area.
For an actor so rarely out of the papers, the beautiful Salento peninsula is a perfect choice and would allow him the peace and quite he craves as well as the chance to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the warmth and hospitality of its people. And should M. Depardieu be considering a masseria for his dream home, then we would be only too happy to help!
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.
The Palazzo del Sedile is a striking square building made of local stone pietra leccese - originally used for public meetings and hearings in the 16th century and the restoration work, which involved cleaning the stone facade and reinforcing the vaulted ceilings, uncovered frescoes depicting the life of Saint Irene which probably date back to 1622, although further study is needed to date them precisely.
Previously it had been thought that any frescoes that had been there were a tribute to Emperor Charles V but instead have revealed images of Saint Irene who was at the time the 'Protector' of Lecce. There do not appear to be any frescoes underneath those newly revealed by the restoration.
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 magnificent open table in the Piazza Umberto 1 laden with traditional dishes created by the villagers in their own homes as an expression of solidarity and love.
The festivities began on the eve of the saint's day, March 18 and continued into the evening of the 19th. The Tavola di San Giuseppe seated local dignitaries, but also, as per tradition, honoured three local Minervinesi citizens who had made an exceptional contribution in their particular field of expertise. This year they were Simone Maggio, Artistic Director of Radio Rama, Mario Mauro, Director of the Villaggio Robinson Club in Ugento and Salvatore Carecci, famous for spreading the fame of Italian cuisine in the Orient.
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 province of Lecce (near where we build out masseria properties).
The row was over the scene featured in the middle of the blue and white Staffordshire transfer wear. Portmeirion claimed the world-famous picture, showing a street with a column topped by the statue of the Madonna with a church on the right and a bell tower in the background, was of their Welsh town. The southern Italians begged to differ saying the street was in fact via Roma in Maglie.
The argument was resolved by an international group of specialists who came down in favour of Maglie. Professor Carmelo Caroppo said "From now on, anyone in the world who buys blue and white English porcelain with this design can be said to have chosen a real and authentic souvenir of Maglie!"
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 heel of Italys boot).
From mid-September to mid-October is the time of the vendemmia (grape harvest) and, as the article mentions, the wine from the region now has a well deserved worldwide reputation. She mentions two in particular: The 2005 Leverano Doc Ross Riserva from the Cantina Vecchia Torre di Leverano ( the Vinitaly 2010 gold medal winner) and il Patriglione from the Azienda Agricola Cosimo Taurino di Guagnano which has been rated one of the top 100 wines in the world.
Although wine is a wonderful reason for visiting the region, you mustnt forget its other top attraction - the sea. You can still swim in Salento until mid October and the beaches are blissfully quiet although the sun is still hot enough to get a tan.
Ms. Del Re also advises venturing into 'the interior' (although the shape of the peninsula means you are never far from the sea!) and enjoying the autumn colours of the countryside and perhaps staying a few days at an agriturismo. Among the many wonderful sights to enjoy are the cities of Otranto and Tuglie near Gallipoli. Apart from visiting its fascinating museum, the Museo della Civilt Contadina you can also enjoy an ice cream at the fabulous Gelateria Provenzano in the main piazza. Imagine how wonderful it would be to stroll along in Salentos autumn sunshine eating a luscious Italian ice cream? Bliss!
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 which will fly from Bari to Zurich Airport.
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 American duo Tuck & Patti, Bebo Ferra's Circle Trio and Gianni Serino'’s X-Press Trio, featuring for the first time Rodney Homes, the drummer from Santana.
Placed as it is between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, Otranto is a perfect location for this multicultural extravaganza.
There will be three concerts every day, featuring many different kinds of jazz - urban and country, black and white. There will also be master classes held on the 22 July, conducted by a host of world class teachers, including guitarist Garrison Fewell, flautist Matt Marvuglio and singer Bob Stoloff.
The peninsula will be swinging this July, of that there is no doubt! Why not go along and join in? www.otrantojazzfestival.com
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 lots in store for the 2010 2011 season, especially if you like musicals. Another planned show is Aladin, the new musical from popular Italian group i Pooh.
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 aim is to include all Puglia's primary schools in the project in the school year 2010/2011.
The children are given the best quality fruit (Certified Dop and Igp), organic where possible, and which is selected according to the season.
Let's hope the children enjoy their snacks and the education authorities and parents will soon start seeing the fruits of their labours!
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 announcement was made by the Capuchin monks and the archbishop of San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, this week and the saints remains will be relocated to the new San Pio church in the monastery grounds on the 19th April. The new basilica was blessed by Pope Benedict on his visit to Puglia last June.
Not everyone is happy about the move, with some commenting that the new church may be a touch too luxurious for the former Capuchin friar.
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 between Murgia and the Adriatic coast following the direction of the river.
The Valle dell'Ofanto is a vitally important part of this area of Puglia, rich is historical, cultural and environmental resources. At Trinitapoli there is a park, archaeological museum, wetland while at San Fenanrdino you will find country walks and industrial archaeology. Canosa has lots to offer including an archaeological museum, city canal park and the tomba di Boemondo, while Minervino Murge has the parco nazionale dell'Alta Murgia and Montecarafa.
The new programme will help a variety of interests from tourism in the ?Puglia Imperiale? region to urban redevelopment. It is aimed at regenerating the area and hopes to qualify for regional funds allocated by the EU.
If you would like to be transported back several centuries to a world of masked revellers, dancing and music, then you need to head to Lecce in the Salento area of Puglia.
From the 8th to the 16th of February the city, known as the Baroque capital of the south as well as the ?Florence of the south? is hosting a spectacular carnival experience which exemplifies the creativity and artistic splendour that only Italy can deliver.
Full Programme (in Italian)
http://www.salentonline.it/eventi/dettagli.php?id_elemento=2764
Further Information: Infopoint, Piazza S. Oronzo Lecce:
When you think of olive oil it is probably as a condiment to drizzle over your salad. But there is a lot more to the ancient liquid gold than a mere tasty dressing.
It has now been scientifically proved that Salento's extra virgin olive oil is good for you on the outside as well as the inside.
Lucia Dini of the University of Salento's laboratory of Cytology and Histology explains that the "ozonizzato" oil (oil treated with ozone) has some peculiar properties arising from the process and the resulting emulsion is ideal for a number of different beauty and skin treatments. During the chemical process, the fatty acids in the oil are saturated with three atoms of oxygen. The resulting oil has protective and germicidal properties, making it an excellent anti-inflammatory application. It also improves the skin's metabolism and circulation, is effective against cellulite and helps scars heal more quickly.
Although Italy produces many varieties of oil, the most effective has been shown to be from Salento, which is excellent use for those thinking of buying a masseria from Essentis Properties as each one comes with a five acre grove of ancient olive trees. So as well as enjoying its delicious taste you can also rub it on yourself too!
If you love Christmas then you will be delighted to see that there will be 250 presepi (Christmas Cribs) on display at Lecce?s Sale del Castello Carlo V from 12th December 2009 to the 7th February 2010.
The exhibition, showing cribs from all over the world, is being organized by the Mostra Itinerante del Museo Internazionale which is part of a UNESCO initiative launched in 1999 to celebrate the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus.
Entrance costs ?5 for adults and ?2 for children. Pensioners over 65, students and groups are charged at ?3 per person.
The exhibition is on from 9.00 to 13.00 and 16.30 to 20.30.
Salento isn't just sea and Baroque architecture. That's the message that Lecce Province in Puglia is presenting to the regional tourism forum being held today in Bari. The officer for tourism and marketing, Francesco Pacella, said that tourism his crucial for the region. She emphasized the varied nature of attractions the region has to offer: its, history, architecture, nature and produce. She went on to say that the promotion work done to date had been of great value in presenting "brand Salento" and that in the past ten years visitor numbers to the area had doubled, but that things now needed to go further.
She added that increased tourist numbers had put greater pressure on services and these needed as a consequence to make sure they responded well throughout the year, not just in the peak season.
We need to go beyond merely promoting the region "today's tourist expect more than those of the past" They have a wide variety of special interests which need to be catered for, they want a deeper and more meaningful experience when they visit' The area is not just simply Baroque and ocean,' said Pacella
The city of Parabita opened an archaeological park to the public on Saturday September 26. Already famed for its bone Veneri di Parabiti statuettes which were made between 12000 and 14000 years ago, the area is a treasure trove of archaeological relics and the park?s visitors will be able to enjoy the exhibits by following a two kilometre path.
On show will be prehistoric animal fossils, rare Mediterranean flora, examples of traditional rural architecture a Bronze Age village and the Grotta delle Veneri.
http://www.trovasalento.it/informazioni/le_grotte_del_salento/index.htm
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