Borgo San Marco Fasano

Located between the countryside and the sea, the Masseria Borgo San Marco in Fasano is an enchanting fortified village, situated amidst 160 acres of ancient olive trees.

Here you can relax if you’re looking for an estate in Puglia near the sea or if you’d like to breath the authenticity of a region rich in culture, tradition and good food, in a relaxing setting, where red of the terrain gives way to the green of the olive trees.

This is good too: join us in this authentic Puglian estate, called a “masseria” in Italian. Near the sea, amidst this masterpiece of red land and green olive trees, come and experience the great culture and rich culinary traditions of the region or simply sit back and relax.

Borgo San Marco is situated in between Fasano and Ostuni, 4 km from the Adriatic Sea, right around the corner from the Valle d’Itria, the quintessential Salento. Thirteen thousand olive trees line the white fortified walls of the Masseria in Fasano framing the gorgeous swimming pool, while stately carob trees one finds interspersed like ancient sculptures of nature.

Puglia is a journey, an experience that awakens wonder because few others are the land where beauty moves in procession with religious feasts of saints and madonnas.

In Puglia, masserias are like maidens in white dresses, singing songs of love for the Sun. The historical centers in Fasano and surrounding areas are like sugar nuggets filled with the sweetness of Barocco.

Come to a place where colors are like ingredients to create with, like a good bread where the sunshine is the leavening that makes everything build, grow and glow. Come to a place where monumental olive trees endured centuries as inspiration to kings and popes.

Come to a place where the sky is defied by the bold Romanesque-Puglian cathedrals, instead where deep in the limestone the darkness calls out thousands of brilliant, ancient frescoes of the extraordinary Medieval stone.

Puglia carries the magic of the stone, the wind, the sea, and the salt in the air. These are the invisible roads to seek out, to smell, because following these paths the magic, the surprise, the awe, will take form, becoming substance for the eyes and poetry to the rest of the senses.

Situated between Fasano and Ostuni, in a forest of ancient olive trees which in and of themselves already make the trip worthwhile, Borgo San Marco is a masseria in Puglia near the sea, authentic, fascinating and rich in culture, at the end of a dusty road that slithers like a snake on the ‘chianca’ stones and red earth, like the countless sunrises that so quickly light up the Adriatic.

A MILLENARY HISTORIC HOUSE
Borgo San Marco is situated south of Bari, towards Brindisi. It is enclosed by an enormous set of olive trees, which themselves are worth visiting. Borgo San Marco is a charming, authentic and culturally rich Masseria that faces the Adriatic Sea, which can be reached by following a snake shaped red gravel path.

All around the masseria is a stone wall, that casts our thoughts to one of Tommaso Fiore’s most famous texts: “.. How did these people dig and align all this stone. I believe that this must have frightened a population of giants. This is the stoniest Murgia; to remodel it to make balconies (…) it wouldn’t need anything less than the labour of a population of ants…”

White, bold, ancient, very ancient walls, that encounters history from the XII century when the architecture was born around a settlement of the Byzantine monks, a location for defence for Malta’s Knights in the fifteenth century, and a “masseria” from the eighteenth century as it is today.

Once you arrive, take a moment and stop in the courtyard and observe everything around you. You’ll see how the pastel colours of the Borgo, always bright and full of life, will narrate the love that the historical Amati family has been developing for this place since the XVIII century, from generation to generation.

OUTSIDE SPACES
Ancient, very ancient bold white walls which challenge the compass rose of the 12th century when the architecture was born around a settlement of Byzantine monks which became, in the 18th century, the Knights of San Giovanni’s defense base and later, in 700 A.D., the farmhouse estate with swimming pool as it is today.

INTERIOR
Mr. Alessandro Amati, together with his wife Mrs. Virginia, decided to restore the Masseria 15 years ago, preserving the atmosphere and the appeal of the past, creating an elegant, sustainably-minded and traditional country house, where you can find the beauty of the colours and the lights of the surrounding countryside.

Eighteen suites simply but stylishly furnished, respecting Apulian traditions. Each suite with its own view, its own light and, each one, with a different game of “chiaroscuro” which livens up the fantasy of a very rural take where, undisputed protagonist are centenary, even thousand-years old olive trees and ancient carob trees.

It is among those “patriarchs” that Mr. Alessandro will guide you into his estate, just like a modern Omero he will tell you moving stories about 13000 trees.

And, just like in the Odyssey, your journey in Borgo San Marco will take you to different places: a pool, an elegant Mediterranean garden, a citrus grove among ancient pillars, a little church with frescoes dating back to the XVIII century, a terrace where you could sip local, fresh and home-made drinks, a coffee-reading room in the ancient oil-mill with the stone oil press and a traditional restaurant with excellent, refined yet rustic food.

Last but not least, the little movie room reveals Mr. Amati’s strong passion for acting. Actors and directors meet the guests of the Borgo to tell them about tourists and travellers going through magical Apulia to live enchanting stories about timeless olive trees and dancing between Valle d’ Itria and the Mediterranean sea.

THE PAINTED WONDERS OF BORGO SAN MARCO
New discovers emerged in the cave church of the masseria. In the cave church at the rear of Borgo San Marco (owned by Dr. Alessandro Amati and recently restored by Mrs Nori Meo Evoli) important and beautiful frescos, never seen before, were discovered.

The images of the Saints and medieval writings have been hidden for years, perhaps centuries, underneath a whitewash and plaster blanket. The information that our recent discovery has uncovered are extremely interesting.

A painted epigraph, recently discovered by academics, has reappeared to the side of Christ Pantocrator thrilled in the apse of the crypt, who blesses by raising an arm, in the middle of the Saints Medici Cosma and Damiano (after whom, the little carved temple was named after). On the right of Jesus on the throne, the text states: “MEME TO D(OMI)NE / FAMULA TUA/ DESPINA” (i.e. “Remember, Almighty God, your truly devoted Despina”).

Therefore, the person who dedicated and purchased the complex was a woman named Despina, who was wealthy enought to commission an extraordinary set of painted frescos (XII- XII cent.).

A “female purchaser” was unusual at the time and therefore points out the high economic power which belongs to this woman: something very unusual due to the role of the male as the primary authority figure, that was central to that kind of social organization (late middle Ages).

On the southern wall of the cave church of San Marco, other images were discovered (even if the lower part has been lost): there is a bearded saint Bishop with a crosier and a prelate headcloth and a female figure (perhaps coming from the East) with a gold diadem on her head and wrapped in a drapery.

You can clearly see the letters “NO” and “PE”: it is therefore supposed that they might be Saint Norbert (a saint coming from middle-northern Europe) and Saint Pelagia (coming from the middle east).

If this is the case, once again the nearby territory preserved traces of an Eastern and Western Christianity mixed together, as the Christian faith was united into the same Creed, in the same holy temple. There is still more…

In the same cave church, another text has been found: it’s a Greek name, Στέφανος, (STEFANOS) which clearly hints at Saint Stephen ‘s cult.

The rest of the fresco (placed to Saint Norbert’s left) has now re-emerged: the protomartyr of Christianity is kneeling while he’s stoned to death by a number of people, who are depicted while throwing stones at him.
Due to the conditions of the fresco, the condition is not great, but Saint Stephen’s figure is almost clear. Finally, this last Saint is strictly linked to the other two figures of Saints (the Saints Doctors, Cosmo and Damian) because he had a reputation as a healer of the sick too and is mentioned in many intercessory prayers in Byzantium.

SUPERIOR SUITES
Extremely comfortable and spacious suites, measuring up to 70 square meters, located inside of the walls of the masseria that, combine elegance and tradition ; located in the main tower, and ground floor.

Each suite has a jacuzzi or private terrace /garden overlooking the countryside of Fasano, with a view of the sea of Savelletri visible as far as the town of Ostuni, 24 km from Borgo san Marco.

JUNIOR SUITE DEPENDANCE
Comfortable renovated suites, not far from the main farmhouse (200 mt) equipped with every possible amenity (patio, private terrace, outdoor shower, refrigerator, tea or coffee machine), immersed in the relaxing green of the plains of centuries old olive trees, the ideal refuge for those seeking peace and quiet.

DOUBLE ROOM
Our double rooms, equipped with every possible amenity and embellished with stone arches, are elegantly furnished and renovated retaining the authenticity of the existing architecture. Come and discover one of the most beautiful farmhouses in Apulia, book a room for your stay with a view over the countryside of Fasano and the sea of Savelletri.

DINING
Our restaurant offers a journey through taste inviting you to discover traditional Apulian dishes. “Déspina”was the name of a wealthy heiress who lived in Fasano and its surrounding area in the 12th and 13 th century. She commissioned the rarely seen frescoes in our cave sites.

“Déspina” has become an icon of history, tradition and emancipation for us, elements that we like to enliven in our dishes, a sort of heritage to be handed down from one generation to the next.

Our Apulian specialities, from breakfast to dinner recall ancient traditions combined with the warmth and skill of our creative kitchen staff. During your stay at Borgo San Marco you will be able to taste typical recipes from the Apulian culinary tradition of meat and fish dishes, seasoned with our precious extra virgin olive oil.

Many of the typical Apulian products we use are of our very own or locally produced, always of high quality. You can choose between lunch outdoors, served under a large pergola, or in the comfortable indoor dining room, with our Snack Menù formula.

At dinner, Apulian specialities by our chef Giordano are served in the restaurant (150 sq m), in the dining room or in our magical 500 sq m outdoor courtyard. At Borgo San Marco, it is always possible to have dinner with guests in an intimate, magical and private atmosphere.

THE BREAKFAST
“The best breakfast is a beautiful smile in the morning” for breakfast, our buffet offers a selection of handmade Apulian fine foods including biscuits, cakes and homemade tarts as well as hot and cold drinks. Healthy breakfast goers will find fresh seasonal fruit, homemade jams, eggs, cheeses, cold meats and typical local products.

WEDDINGS IN SALENTO
When elegance and simplicity meet the uniqueness of the centuries old olive trees and the beauty of the Apulian stone of Masseria Relais Borgo San Marco, it is easy to imagine your self sitting at a table, in candlelight, under the stars or intoxicated by the warm rays of the sun, immersed in the magic of an incomparable, idyllic scene. Come and experience your own Apulian grandeur book your exclusive event.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 
The cultivation of olive trees and the production of extra virgin olive oil goes back 5 centuries and is linked to the birth of the Amati family .

At the end of the 1980s, during the renovation of the ancient Abbey of S. Angelo de Graecis (near the borgo), a small olive oil museum was built in the 15 th century oil mill, recounting the story of olive oil by means of machinery dating from the 1500’s to the early 1900’s.

Borgo San Marco’s extra virgin olive oil is obtained from the cold pressing of olives from our estate. The olives are harvested by hand, while the milling is carried out within 48 hours of their harvest.

Our production follow strict specification to classify the product as a high grade, fine extra virgin olive oil. It is the result of a blend of cultivars: frantoiane, picholine and coratine. The result is fruity, has an aftertaste of bitter and sweet almonds and is suitable for all uses in the kitchen.

THE SWIMMING POOL 
For your holiday, choose our “agriturismo” (farmhouse) in Fasano with swimming pool and imagine that you are stopping time : a small natural paradise affording you peace and privacy. No chaos, no deadlines to meet, no stress. Just the warm sun, by the pool, with a cold drink and the smell of rosemary wafting through the air.

A backdrop of dry stone walls, accented with colors of the Mediterranean seaweed, forms the backdrop of our large in ground pool. The sand colored coating replicates the crystal clear sea, creating a natural scenic effect with rounded shapes and progressive depth.

The result is a pool with a sea view perfectly in tune with the surrounding landscape. A glimpse of blue in the green of centuries old olive trees that melts into nature, drawing a corner of beauty, wellbeing and comfort.

Choose pure relaxation in Masseria a Fasano: you can dedicate yourself to reading by choosing one of the many books available in our library, rediscover physical and mental well being thanks to the properties of water, and abandon yourself to the warmth of the sun under the hospitality of our staff.

THE SPA
Borgo Aquae is our wellness centre equipped with a massages-room, an indoor pool with jacuzzi and lounge area in the middle of our ancient lemon grove. Perfectly integrated in the rustic setting, the effect is that of being in harmony with the water, the sounds and the music coming from Nature.

Our masseuse proposes specific treatments, such as the Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Reflexogenic Massage, Energetic Massage, Firming Massage and Decontracturing Massage.

SPORT
The beauty of the Apulian terrain cannot be forgotten if you experience it at 360 degrees also through sport on the Masseria and in the surrounding area .

If you love active holidays, you can use our beach tennis and beach volleyball court, go running, work out in our outdoor gym, go horseback riding or use our mountain bikes on routes designed on the estate among the carob and thousand year old olive trees, getting lost on the country lanes leading down to the sea.

The beauty of our estate during your stay at borgo San Marco is the ideal setting to combine an unforgettable holiday with the practice of golf. You can take lessons, use the driving range or try your hand at a championship course at nearby courses just 7 km away.

Do you like kitesurfing, surfing, sup, windsurfing or diving? Northbound on the coast, 9 km away between Pilone and Torre Canne, you will find the beach of lido Bizzarro, popular site for kitesurfers and windsurfers for many years, and along the final stretch of the free beach north of lido Morelli, you can enjoy yourself in safety and tranquility.

Just 28 minutes away by car, you will find sports equipment area by the sea, close to the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, a succession of sandy dunes, both free and with equipped bathing establishments, cliffs at the water’s edge and sea beds rich in marine flora and fauna.

With the exception of a few areas that are not suitable for bathing, in order to preserve the marine reserve, the area that includes the beach of Punta Penna Grossa, and the area near the beach of Apani, are perfect for scuba diving and water sport such as catamaran sailing or windsurfing.

SEA & BEACHES
Amidst artistic treasure protected nature reserves, cliffs and golden sand dunes, Borgo San Marco is close to some of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia, offering you the ultimate in seaside relaxation. From Borgo San Marco you can see the sea stretching out over a large quarry planted with olive trees, feeling a rush of scents as you breathe in the brisk air.

The sea at Savelletri is less than 6 km away: you will find well equipped beaches offering comfort and excellence the option of hiring dinghies or booking scuba diving with a local diving center.

13 km south, between Fasano and Ostuni, you can easily reach the dune costiere regional park from Torre Canne to Torre san Leonardo, a coastal area of great natural and scenic interest. Here you will find a pet beach equipped to accommodate dogs, with all the essential creature comforts, comfortable cots, water bowls and tasty treats.

Nearby is also Monopoli with its many beaches and coves, including Porto Ghiacciolo (16 km) that will take your breath away with its crystal clear sea and striking cliffs.

On the stretch of coast south of Monopoli , “Il Capitolo” is synonymous with long, sandy beaches. There are discos and beach clubs overlooking the sea and countless bathing establishments open day and night.

29 km north is Polignano a Mare, a well know fishing village with the most photographed beach in Puglia (Cala Porto Beach), where white pebbles blend with the sea’s thousand green hues. It is worth going 37 km south to discover the natural paradise of Apulia’s Adriatic coast, the Torre Guaceto oasis.

A protected nature reserve, with equipped bathing establishment, characterized by a low sandy coastline, surrounded by dunes and rocks, Torre Guaceto was the first Italian beach to receive the prestigious Blue Park Award.

CYCLING
The experience of cycling tourism in Apulia allows you to slowly discover a wonderful and unexpected region. As you pedal from Bari to Brindisi, you will encounter the unique panorama of the Itria Valley.

The expanses of millenary olive trees mark this part of Apulia, the oil mills along the rural roads, the castle, the vineyards, the museum, the archeological site of Egnazia, and the colors and scents create a magical labyrinth of possibilities.

A countryside inhabited all year round, dotted with characteristic trullo buildings, with dry stone walls that divide the land between olive groves and vineyards and, without the addition of mortar or cement, allow water to penetrate. The art of dry stone walls is now recognized at a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will pass through villages such as Alberobello, with its characteristic trulli, Locorotondo with its cummerse (ancient residential settlements with a rectangular floor plan and sloping roof made of chianchette), and Cisternino, where it is worth stopping for food and wine.

The invitation is to get lost in the street of an Apulia that changes face with every season, all the way down to Salento. One of the most beautiful panoramas in Italy is offered by the coastal road along the Adriatic coast, because it crosses such different habitats: about eighty kilometers from the Oasi Protetta delle Cesine to Santa Maria di Leuca.

Overhanging cliffs, centuries old olive groves dotted with pajare, ancient stone shelters ; Aleppo pine forests and sand dunes covered with Mediterranean seaweed.

During the spring, Puglia is a triumph of scents and colors with asphodels, wild orchids and poppies almost flush with the cliffs. Sixteenth century watch towers are dotted all along the way, until you reach Otranto, the easternmost town in Italy.

DISCOVER PUGLIA
Puglia is a wonderful region, its extraordinary landscapes are full of discoveries and fascinating places, a hospitable land rich in history, culture and traditions, like a painter’s palette full of the most beautiful colors. A trip to Apulia is a multi-sensory experience where colors and scents create a magical maze of possibilities.

Go on a journey to discover the mythical “Land of Frederick’s Castles”, the Archeological Museum, Cathedrals and Basilicas, and the Gravine and majestic buildings which are full of symbolic suggestions.

These beautiful lands of oil and wine where you can visit wine cellars and stop in local trattorias to taste traditional food and wine dishes will be highlights among the many pleasant memories of your stay.

The enchanting Itria Valley with its Trulli, caves and crystal clear sea are yet another beautiful memory in the making. What to do near Masseria Borgo San Marco in Fasano? The sea is just a few kilometers from the Masseria, so it can be easily reached in a few minutes.

Not to be missed are ancient villages including nearby Alberobello, with over 1400 trulli; the Safari Zoo, (8.6 km) a biopark with various attractions, ideal for families; the museum and archeological park of the Egnazia excavatioins (10.3 km away); and the splendid Castellana caves.

Another 26 km away you can visit famous Ostuni, the White City, with its marvelous medieval village, full of narrow streets and whitewashed houses.

Monopoli (20 km) allows its tourists to visit undiscovered wonders such as the Castle of Charles V, the Basilica of Maria Santissima della Madia, the Church of San Francesco da Paola, the Itria Valley Ecomuseum and the Lama degli Ulivi Botanical Garden.

Rooms: 16

Price: from 171 EUR per night

Source: www.borgosanmarco.it