Apulia / Masserie

The Masserie
Widespread in southern Italy and especially in Puglia, they are large rural buildings, often fortified, an expression, until the mid-20th century, of the culture of large landed ownership (latifundium). The farms, often also inhabited by their owners, included the accommodation of the farmers, the stables, as well as the deposits for fodder, crops and equipment. They mostly developed around a large courtyard (barnyard) and were also equipped with cellars. Most of the farms were built from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century by nobles during the Spanish domination. Today many restored farmhouses are used as residential villas or as the headquarters of thriving farms, agritourism activities, conference rooms, restaurants and Bed & Breakfasts. 

Photo
– Masseria Montecchie – Ceglie Messapica (BR)