You know the tale of Robin Hood, who took from the rich to support the poor? At Masseria Pilapalucci, they had their own Lady Robin Hood, though her methods were a bit different. The noblewoman Maria Amalia D'Urso, three centuries ago, used her own fortune to provide dowries for hundreds of poor girls.

Although there are no longer knights here, the charm of the 16th-century stone building remains. The rooms still feature elements of the original furnishings from the heyday of Apulian manor houses. You won't encounter Saracens and bandits anymore, but you will find adventures of a different kind—mainly culinary ones. And we promise, it's worth experiencing! They truly understand what slow food and slow life are all about.

The cherry on top is the restaurant hidden in an old stable. For breakfast, be sure to try almond cakes and fruits straight from the farm’s orchard. In the evening, savor homemade pasta with almond pesto or the local Torittese sausage with wild herbs and organic vegetables from the garden. Don’t forget dessert! Rosata, frangipane cake, nougats—all with almonds as the main star, in keeping with local tradition.

Emilia D'Urso, a lawyer with an ecological soul, has breathed new life into the family estate. Guests can take a stroll through the almond groves, soaking in the beauty and tranquility of the area. For those seeking broader horizons, we recommend nearby Bari, which merits a full-day trip. It’s also worth visiting Polignano a Mare, which has been the setting for many films, Monopoli with its splendid sandy beaches, and Alberobello, famous for its distinctive trulli houses.

Photos: masseriapilapalucci.it