Situated in the heart of Puglia Jonica, Masseria San Mama is named for a reclusive Saint that lived out his years in the Orient and his image is featured alongside that of the Virgin Mary in the Chapel. The Byzantine origins of the Saint reflect the traditional history of this land, that is rich with cultural, architectural and artistic influences.

San Mama stands discreetly but is still majestically situated in the heart of Puglia, nestled within a gentle valley, among its centuries-old olive groves, and springs. It’s dazzling white facades provides protection from the rigid and gusting winter winds, as well as from the scorching heat of the long summer seasons.

Some antique maps of the region, dating back to the 12th century, indicate that it was a rural village settlement of some significance, but the Masseria Itself, was more formally established around 1756, through the efforts of Ciro Giovinazzi.

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NOBILE MASSERIA

Within the spectrum scale of Masserias in Puglia, San Mama is regarded as a ‘Nobile’ Masseria illustrated by its three broad connecting courtyards, together with a large manor house, with a main floor that measures some 7000 sq.mt.

Its early history, originating in the late 700’s, is delineated within the characteristic architecture of its vaults and ancient majolica. From the outset, the dwelling complex affirmed its significance and declared itself an authentic agricultural village (borgo), which from that mid-century, saw about 100 people take up permanent residence there and those numbers swelled to still greater numbers during the harvest season.

For some four centuries and to this very day, the Masseria has remained the Marquis Giovinazzi di Ducente’s family property.