History
Masseria Badessa
steeped in 700+ years of History
The term Masseria translates to “Farmhouse” and Badessa is a title of distinguishment for a nun who has become the “Reverand Mother” of her Convent.
From a bygone era when nobility ruled the land, the property was constructed by an aristocratic family as a fortified farmhouse and then gifted to the Reverend Mother of the convent in nearby Lecce to honor the vow of solitude that she had taken.
Thus, the Masseria Badessa was born in 1285 A.D.
built over 3 Time Periods
After 1285 A.D., Masseria Badessa stood as a testament to the passage of centuries, its ancient walls whispering tales of it’s storied past.
Through wars and revolutions, triumphs and tribulations, it has remained steadfast, a silent witness to the ebbs and flows of history.
Over seven centuries, it has evolved, adapting to changing times while retaining the essence of its heritage.
In 1686 A.D. the Masseria doubled in size to accommodate livestock and to store the harvest.
In the mid-1800’s a portico was added to connect the Masseria to a chapel that was located on the estate. Unfortunately, the chapel has since been lost to ruin, and the portico enclosed to create another room.
Return to Grandeur…and an evolution In Sustainability
The estate was lovingly restored by its current owners. Rehabilitating this great monument occurred between 2019-2021 and a guesthouse was added in 2022.
Taking advantage of 300+ days of annual sunshine, Masseria Badessa is almost entirely “off-grid” with 20 kWh of solar production capacity and two backup battery systems. Absolutely nothing is powered by fossil fuels resulting in zero carbon emissions.
Before reaching your cup, water is accessed from a natural aquifer 80m (250 feet) below ground and then passes through a complex series of filters for optimal purity. It is like bottled water directly from the tap.
Effluent water is organically treated by semi-aquatic plants in an area near the succulent garden. In total, more than 400 plants, bushes, and trees were added to complete the lush and diversified garden areas and green spaces. All fruits, nuts, and vegetables at Masseria Badessa are grown pesticide-free.
