Masseria Fontana di Vite
Rustic-chic family-owned working masseria. Authentic Southern Italian farmhouse energy, not a polished resort. Local art on the walls, private family furniture in the suites, farm-to-table cooking from the property's own fields. Also a base for an active artist residency program.
Ask for a room on the noble floor of the main building — these are in the original Gattini family residence with the highest ceilings and best views.
Why It Matters
One of the few genuinely historic working masserie in Basilicata converted to a proper boutique hotel — with rooms in the original noble floor of the Gattini family mansion. Listed on Tablet Hotels. Earned a 9.1 Recognition of Excellence (HotelsCombined 2022). The name literally means 'Fountain of Life', tied to a local legend about a nearby spring. History here goes back 300 years, not a stage set.
A 300-year-old former aristocratic mansion turned boutique hotel, sitting on a hill above Matera in the rugged Basilicata countryside. Sun-bleached stone exteriors with an almost Moorish silhouette, surrounded by working olive groves and golden wheat fields. The family that owns it — descendants of the Lorusso-Bolettieri line — converted it from a working rural village into a 13-room hotel after a major restoration that ran from 2014 to 2017. It still feels like someone's house, which is exactly the point.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Double Standard Room
On the top floor of the main Masseria building — the former Gattini family residence. French sleigh bed, high ceilings, flatscreen TV, wifi, air conditioning, minibar. The balcony has sweeping views of the countryside. Spacious bathroom with extra-large shower. Furniture sourced from the owning family's private collection. Small footprint inside (22 sqm) but the 60 sqm terrace more than makes up for it.
22 sqm
Gattini Suite
The biggest and most exclusive room on the property. Named after the aristocratic Gattini family who built the mansion in the 18th century. Top floor of the Masseria. Sprawling 90 sqm inside plus a 60 sqm terrace/balcony. Two bedrooms — one king-size, one French sleigh — plus a proper living room with sofa bed. Two flatscreen TVs. The bathroom centerpiece: a jacuzzi for two. Furnished with items from the owning family's private collection. Sleeps up to 6 guests.
King + French Sleigh · 90 sqm
Junior Suite
Top floor of the main building with sweeping countryside views. The standout feature: a freestanding bathtub inside the room itself, plus a separate bathroom with extra-large shower. High ceilings, flatscreen TV, wifi, air conditioning, minibar, security safe. Traditional Basilicata decor throughout. Calm and elegant — this is the move for a romantic stay at 60 sqm.
60 sqm
Large Double Room
Located 150 meters from the main building in a quieter area. Private garden, views of the pool and countryside. Each room has a unique layout — none are identical. High ceilings, flatscreen TV, wifi, air conditioning, minibar, security safe, rainfall shower or bathtub. Traditional Basilicata decor. Sleeps up to 4 guests, making it a solid family option.
33 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A steel cable zip-line suspended between the mountain villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa in the Lucanian Dolomites. One of the most dramatic experiences in Southern Italy. Arranged through the property.
From single-day guided cycling experiences around the Basilicata countryside (with support vehicle) to multi-day week-long cycling adventures through Basilicata and Puglia. Bike rentals also available on-site.
Balloon flights over the Matera landscape — the valleys and ravines of the Murgia make for spectacular aerial views. Can be arranged through the property.
Explore the Basilicata countryside by quad. Rentable for a day or longer through the property.
Learn to cook traditional Basilicata recipes with the masseria's resident chef Giuseppe. He provides all ingredients and teaches you to recreate the dishes at home. Consistently the most-praised activity by guests. Book through reception well in advance.
Wine tastings available at the property, featuring local Basilicata and Puglia wines. Can be paired with the charcuterie and cheese board at the wine bar.
Chef Giuseppe prepares a packed picnic basket of traditional dishes. You head out into the masseria's countryside fields for lunch. Book via reception.
See Matera from a vintage Ape Calessino three-wheeler. Unusual and fun — a very different way to navigate the ancient city.
Guided visits to Puglia highlights: Ostuni (the White City), Alberobello (UNESCO trulli village), and Polignano a Mare. Can be arranged through the property.
The masseria hosts an active artist residency program. Working artists can apply to stay and create at the property. Part of the hotel's broader ambition to be a destination for culinary arts, contemporary visual art, and the culture of Southern Italy.
Guided walking tour of the Sassi district: Sasso Caveoso, Sasso Barisano, the Piano zone, rock churches, natural caves, cisterns, baroque churches. Also passes locations used in Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ' and a James Bond film. Expert local guide leads the way.
A guided walk through the masseria's olive groves, hands-on participation in the harvest, and a bottle of the estate's extra virgin olive oil to take home. Only available for approximately 2 weeks in October–November.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
On-site conference center accommodating up to 200 people. Two reception rooms for up to 250 guests. Suitable for weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
Complimentary WiFi throughout the property and in all guest rooms.
Room service available.
Complimentary breakfast buffet with homemade cakes, jams, focaccia, ricotta, scamorza, eggs, fresh fruit, and yogurt. True Southern Italian morning spread.
Historic chapel on the property grounds, built during the Lorusso family era in the early 1900s. Available for weddings and ceremonies.
Main outdoor pool open in summer months. Sun loungers and pool umbrellas provided. Pool views from many guest rooms.
Separate seasonal children's pool alongside the main pool.
Extensive grounds with olive groves, working farm fields, multiple outdoor relaxation areas and terraces.
Library available for guest use.
Bikes available to rent on-site. Cycling routes in the surrounding Basilicata countryside.
All guest rooms have air conditioning.
Security safe in Large Double Rooms, Junior Suite, and Gattini Suite (not confirmed in Double Standard).
Minibar in all guest rooms.
Concierge services available to arrange tours, transfers, and activities.
Complimentary on-site private parking for guests.
Transfers from Matera train station available with surcharge. Must be arranged at least 72 hours before arrival via the property directly.
Hot tub available on-site. Also a jacuzzi for two in the Gattini Suite.
Fitness center on-site.
BUILD YOUR MASSERIA FONTANA DI VITE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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