Our history
Always a crossroads of wandering shepherds and travellers, reference point for sailors, Galeta Masseria contains within itself the mystery of meeting and sharing.
“The Masseria probably takes its name from the “Rodogaleta”, a noble Gallipolian family already known in the 13th century and extinct around the 17th century. [...] The additions and transformations of different periods make it difficult to read the original layout of the complex, organized around the two-storey tower with independent accesses. The upper floor can only be accessed from the external staircase, which originally had a drawbridge. The double machicolation, placed to defend the entrance door on the first floor [...] hangs like a pulpit on a second parapet which hides a short flight of stairs placed on a terrace and which functions as a guardhouse. [...] Of the original complex there remains, beyond the tower, a row of two-sloping covered dwellings which closes the courtyard towards the garden”.
Le Masserie Fortificate del Salento Meridionale,
A. Costantini, D. Novembre, P. Bolognini
Adriatica Editrice Salentina,
Lecce, 1984
B&B AND HOME RESTAURANT SINCE 2020
The farm has always been inhabited and the primary activity is cattle and goat breeding. We wanted to diversify this activity by reorganizing the spaces to be able to finally make hospitality as a representation of authenticity, of truth: what most reflects our history and our way of subtending beauty. We intend to propose the luxury of authentic hospitality in a productive agricultural context consistent with the nature of the place; in this way we would like to reinterpret the idea of conscious and therefore sustainable tourism.
Since 2020, Galeta Masseria has been welcoming travellers from all over the world for overnight stays with breakfast, offering a "home restaurant" formula that respects the seasonal cycles of our vegetable garden and wild herbs.
It is possible to enjoy the tower for overnight stays with breakfast and the Home Restaurant service, home catering, where the simple meals of the family tradition are proposed, respecting the seasonal cycles of our garden and wild herbs. In addition, the farm is available for shooting and private events.
As it has always been in constant mutation, Galeta Masseria offers the right setting for socio- cultural side activities, organizing workshops and events and supporting sports tourism to represent Salento not only as a destination for the Italian summer, but as a real place of growth and contamination where to live unforgettable experiences in every season of the year..
SOME OF OUR MISSIONS AND VALUES
SHARING AND RESPECTING OUR LAND
GALETA MASSERIA: a bulwark of resistance against the massification of globalisation. Today, we're keen to share the history of Salento and to keep alive its traditions, culture, cuisine and unique identity, which stands out from the reductive trend of #mediterraneanvibes that can be found everywhere from Naples to Palermo, from Portofino to Corfu.
BUILDING COMMUNITY - FORGING LINKS
GALETA MASSERIA: A place for holidays, art, cultural practices and well-being for all. As well as welcoming travellers from all over the world, Galeta Masseria aims to participate in the development of local community and cultural life. It gives everyone access to artistic, cultural and wellness activities through a carefully selected programme that showcases the traditions and territory of Salento. Every week we offer group yoga classes open to all, exploring breathing, meditation and movement.
THE PLEASURE OF PASSING ON OUR PASSIONS AND OUR LIFESTYLE CLOSE TO NATURE
GALETA MASSERIA is not just a place for tourists. We open our doors to curious travellers, sharing our passions for nature, art, outdoor adventures, cuisine and yoga.
In 2024, we created SUPER SURYA, a multi-activity space within Galeta Masseria that brings together art, culture and well-being for travellers and locals alike. Every week we offer group yoga classes open to all, exploring breathing, meditation and movement. We also welcome groups and yoga retreats.
AN ECOLOGICAL AND HUMAN APPROACH
Rather than criticising and taking a negative view of the current 'catastrophic' ecological situation in southern Puglia : Mass tourism that suffocates the region in the summer, abandoned waste, climatic disturbances, the problem of migrant workers exploited in the plantations, and the Xylella Fastidiosa bacterium that decimates the olive trees... we are choosing to get involved, to talk about it in order to reinvest the land and the territory of Salento. Driven by an optimistic vision, we want to develop this project by creating an ecosystem that encourages people to take care of themselves, the living world and nature.