The Ferragnano Farmhouse Garden

Locorotondo, a charming village in the Itria Valley, is known for its circular historic center and white houses. However, it hides a lesser-known gem: the Historic Garden of Masseria Ferragnano. This rare Italian garden in Florentine style is one of the few examples in Southern Italy. Designed in 1811 by architect Giuseppe Campanella, the garden was created during the renovation of the 16th-century manor house and the construction of the Church of San Giorgio, completed in 1812.

The garden has a rectangular structure and is surrounded by a high perimeter wall. Two side entrances lead into this refined and quiet space, which retains the elegance of the era. In the center, eight symmetrical flowerbeds bordered by boxwood hedges create a perfect visual balance. A central fountain reflects the sky and the surrounding decorative elements, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Along the paths, visitors can admire stone benches and colonnades, as well as 34 baroque-style busts. These sculptures represent the months of the year, the seasons, virtues, and some female deities, offering a symbolic and cultural journey. In various parts of the garden, stones and marbles are inscribed with poetic verses, contributing to an intimate and meditative atmosphere.

At the end of the garden stands a belvedere pavilion, built in 1833. This viewpoint offers a stunning view of the Apulian countryside and the bell tower of the Church of San Giorgio, which was once covered with bright blue tiles. The garden hosts numerous plant species typical of the Mediterranean, including two centuries-old cedars, one from Lebanon and one from the Atlantic, dating back to the 18th century. These trees are probably the last surviving specimens of a larger group.

Along the long edges of the garden, various varieties of roses bloom in the beautiful season, while lavender and aromatic essences complete the environment with delicate fragrances. Today, Masseria Ferragnano is home to the "Basile Caramia" Research and Experimentation Center in Agriculture, but the garden is open to the public on specific occasions.

The garden is not freely accessible all year round but can be visited by reservation or during cultural events and special days. Every Saturday afternoon in May and June, guided tours are organized as part of the "Spring Tour." Additionally, on Saturdays in September, the Locorotondo Info-Point offers visits to discover this unique space.

To participate in the tours, it is necessary to book in advance. Useful contacts are: Locorotondo Info-Point, Via Morelli, 24 – 70010 Locorotondo (BA). The garden is also sometimes used for cultural events and civil weddings, managed in collaboration with the Municipality. Visiting the Historic Garden of Masseria Ferragnano means discovering an authentic and fascinating part of Puglia. It is a place where nature, art, and history meet in harmony, away from the most crowded tourist circuits.

If you are on vacation in Locorotondo or in the surrounding Itria Valley, take some time to visit this hidden corner. Sit on a stone bench, read the verses inscribed in the marbles, let yourself be enveloped by the scents of the roses, and observe the landscape from the panoramic terrace. Once again, Locorotondo will surprise you.