Agriturismo Torrevecchia

Salento has some of the most beautiful farms, very ancient and immersed in the silence of the countryside, which have been transformed into organic production companies, surrounded by olive trees. Among these, the Agriturismo Torrevecchia is an example.

Their charm is unquestionable, not only beautiful beaches and sea, but also walks among the olive trees and tasting genuine foods. Nature, archeology and architecture have mixed to give rise to a paradise on earth, where walking along ancient paths and coming into contact with the beauty of nature leads you to relive a past that we often forget.

The farms in Puglia were fortified agricultural companies, but today, wonderfully renovated, they have become an alternative destination for tourism and for a different holiday oriented towards relaxation and connection with the territory. For some of them, has become symbiotic: this is the case of organic farms, such as Agriturismo Torrevecchia.

The farm

As I headed towards their facility, located on the outskirts, just a few kilometers outside San Pancrazio Sal. no (BR), on the way to Avetrana, I took some time to enjoy the almost overwhelming tranquility that the landscape and its infinite beauty exuded. I couldn’t help but admire the warmth of the stone of the dry stone walls of the small paths and the soft colors of the surrounding countryside, helping to create an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation, immersing the senses in the peace of uncontaminated nature.

As soon as you cross the entrance threshold of the structure, you cannot help but notice the immense expanse of land, 200 hectares. The owners are already on site, intent on taking care of the vineyards, olive groves, vegetable gardens, orchards, cereal production, sheep, cattle, goat and farmyard animal breeding, the marvelous horticultural greenhouse and gardens. Welcoming guests with such courtesy and kindness is Chiara, the owners’ daughter, who told me the history of the farm.

The rooms of Agriturismo Torrevecchia

Torrevecchia is a typical and extraordinary rural building, a symbol and monument of peasant civilization dating back to 1300, although documentation demonstrates its existence since 1275. Furthermore, great attention was paid in the restoration work to ensure that the floor with its typical “chianche” of Salento and the imposing tuff stone walls embellished with barrel and star vaults, brought to light the authentic atmosphere of ancient times.

Witnesses are the rooms and large rooms of the restaurant, which inside contain real and authentic objects in wood, wrought iron and ceramics of inestimable value.

The original large fireplace, present at the entrance of the farm, welcomes guests, accompanying them into the heart of the ancient residence. Overlooking the old “court”, the ancient rooms intended for the “massari“: those who worked and resided at the same farm, have become large and comfortable bedrooms, to guarantee the right comfort without sacrificing the traditional style of the place. While, surrounded by greenery, overlooking the large swimming pool, you will find the new pastel-coloured rooms. The Agriturismo Torrevecchia offers the possibility of choosing the type of accommodation that best reflects the needs of its guests.

There is a beautiful semi-Olympic swimming pool overlooking the greenery of the place, open from June until the first week of September. You will be able to experience relaxing and socializing by the pool, perhaps tasting a glass of good house wine! During the beautiful days you can sunbathe on the large solarium terrace, equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas or rent bikes to enjoy the view. In the area, a few meters away, there is an ancient crypt called “Angel’s Cave” dating back to the 7th century AD. C. with a sacred function, rich in Byzantine frescoes, gives the structure an artistic-cultural touch.

The products of the farm

I was then invited by Chiara to take a tour of the places where everything comes to life: seeing the animals well cared for inside their stables and left free made me understand how much it means for them to act with respect for nature and authenticity of the product. It is precisely from here that those fresh products are born: from the cacio ricotta to the “giuncata“, the “strong” ricotta and followed by the fresh cheeses, the pecorino with a stronger taste, up to the “primo sale” and others.

The freshness of the vegetables picked directly from the garden which, following seasonality, alternate in the fields, the variety of typical cheeses, the meats from the farms together with the extra virgin olive oil with adjoining oil mill, the Negroamaro and the Primitivo of their own production and the pasta of “durum wheat”, constitute the main ingredients of our cuisine.

In the morning, you are inebriated by an explosion of scents that lead you into the breakfast room. Here a long table, well cared for and studied down to the smallest detail, offers guests cereals, frize, taralli, tasty jams, accompanied by fragrant freshly baked cakes and biscuits prepared following traditional family recipes. Followed by the scent of fresh cow’s milk, a magical ingredient for a hot and creamy cappuccino.

Inside the structure, educational workshops are organized, which invite young guests to learn about life in the fields and on the farm, for direct contact with the animals, crops, open spaces and rural traditions full of emotions.

The Torrevecchia farmhouse guarantees a relaxing stay, immersed in the tranquility of the Salento countryside, among food and wine experiences and cultural realities waiting to be discovered!