Between history, nature and hospitality in the heart of Apulia
Founded in 1790 from Benedictine nuns of St Joseph of Monopoli, Tenuta Monacelle still preserves the silent and contemplative soul of its origins.
The name “Monacelle” derives precisely from the name of the nuns who once inhabited these lands, although popular tradition tells another legend: on summer evenings, in fact, one could see numerous snails - called “monacelle” in the local dialect - emerging from the damp soil, the symbol of a lively and generous place.
The original village, consisting of 28 trulli, was a small rural centre where the daily activities of the nuns took place, who used to cook and bake bread to give to the farmers. Still visible today is the small church, the “cummersa”, now deconsecrated and converted into a charming suite. The old convent now houses the restaurant, where you can admire an old drinking trough and a large fireplace, once an oven and the heart of community life.
Despite the passage of centuries, the estate has been able to preserving the authentic charm of the 18th century, harmonising tradition and modern comforts in a timeless village surrounded by greenery.
Services and reception
At Tenuta Monacelle, everything is designed to ensure a relaxing and refined stay.
Useful information
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Check-in: from 15:00
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Check-out: by 10:30 a.m.
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Languages spoken: Italian, English, Spanish
Main services
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, 24-hour reception, luggage storage, room service, laundry and airport shuttle upon request.
Spaces and activities
A private park of 22 hectares surrounds the estate, offering walking, hiking and cycling routes. Guided tours, experiential packages and family activities are available with babysitting services on request.
Pet-friendly hospitalityanimals are welcome and may stay in dedicated rooms.
Car parklarge and free of charge, no reservation required.
Swimming pool
When the wind blows from the sea or you simply want a moment of peace, the swimming pool surrounded by trees becomes a perfect refuge.
In a quiet, private area, guests can relax on comfortable sun loungers with towels provided, sipping a cocktail or enjoying an aperitif at the Pool Snack Bar.
A few steps away, a small playground allows children to have fun in complete safety, with the possibility of requesting a babysitting service.
The Cherry Orchard
The estate is surrounded by thousands of cherry trees, trees, which each spring offer a spectacle of colours and scents. During the harvest, from mid-May to the end of June, guests can participate in a unique experience: adopt a tree, pick its fruit and enjoy it freshly picked.
From these cherries come the homemade preserves of the Tenuta, which you can buy or receive at home, to relive the authentic flavours of the Apulian countryside every morning.
The Trulli Village
Staying in the Trulli of Tenuta Monacelle means immersing oneself in history.
Seven beautiful dry-stone trulli, tastefully furnished in period style, welcome guests in an intimate and refined atmosphere. Each trullo has a private bathroom, minibar, telephone and - in some rooms - air conditioning.
Sleeping in a trullo is a unique experience: direct contact with Apulian rural culture and the architectural magic of these ancient buildings.
The Masserias
Within the estate stand six farms, each with its own characteristics inspired by the elements of nature:
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the Masseria dei Pini Verdi, surrounded by woods;
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the Masseria Rossa, which recalls the colour of the land of Apulia;
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the Masseria delle Ciliegie, overlooking the Cherry Orchard;
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the Masseria Gialla, close to the swimming pool;
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the Masseria della Roccia, built on living stone;
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and a further Masseria Gialla, adjacent to a wheat field.
All rooms are made of tuff from Lecce, a porous, natural material that guarantees a fresh, breathable environment. The accommodations are elegantly furnished, equipped with every comfort, and in some cases offer whirlpool baths or the possibility of adding a third bed.
The Restaurant
In the heart of the estate, the restaurant welcomes guests in an atmospheric setting, carved out of limestone and lit by warm lighting that enhances the barrel vaults.
The kitchen offers dishes from the Apulian tradition reinterpreted with creativity, made with ingredients from the estate's own soils.
Bread and pastries are baked in the in-house oven, while the wine list offers a careful selection of local and national labels, recommended by our sommeliers.
Events and ceremonies
Tenuta Monacelle is the ideal setting for weddings, christenings, graduations, communions and private parties.
Every occasion becomes a special day thanks to the scenic spaces, personalised services and authentic atmosphere of a village surrounded by nature.
Our staff accompanies each event in every detail, turning it into an unforgettable experience for guests.
Meetings and Team Building
The ample space and large car park also make the estate perfect for meetings, incentives, congresses and team building.
The conference room, designed in a circular form, encourages sharing and dialogue, while the reserved rooms allow for more intimate meetings.
A specialised technical team (direction, audio, video, communication) is on hand to ensure flawless organisation and a professional event.
Events open to the public
I 22 hectares of Tenuta Monacelle become a natural setting for events open to the public, exhibitions, shows and artistic performances.
Every space can be customised and reinterpreted, offering ever new and surprising settings that reflect the desires and emotions of guests.
Delicacies of the Estate
From the heart of Apulia to your table.
With “Delizie della Tenuta”, Tenuta Monacelle transforms the products of its land into authentic taste experiences. Jams, preserves and local specialities tell the story of Apulia's gastronomic richness and can be purchased or ordered online.
Each taste is a journey through the scents of the fields and the genuine flavours of our tradition, a way to take home a fragment of Puglia.
