From The XIV Century To Our Days

It is captivating at first sight. Even before you arrive, it enchants you with its tree-lined avenue—an avenue that has witnessed a history spanning 2,700 years.

Yes, 2,700 years. Although Masseria Casignano was built in the 14th century, historical evidence indicates that 1,500 years earlier an ancient Roman patrician villa already stood on this site.

The estate lived through the entire Bourbon era and takes its name, Casignano, from Domenico Casignano, Mayor from 1529 to 1530. Historical research has also uncovered a deed recording its purchase by the noblewoman Silvia Pons De Leon, widow of Scipione Fornari. This transaction was notarized by Andrea Vavotico on 24 April 1637. Vavotico is also remembered for drafting the deed that transferred ownership of the famous Roman Column of Brindisi, later donated to the city of Lecce.

A decisive contribution to our research came from the distinguished historian Professor Giacomo Carito. Following a conversation with him, he directed us to one of his studies, providing an invaluable starting point and a crucial trail through the historical documentation. His work also reveals the fascinating story of the Monetta family, whose history intertwines with that of the mother of Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, a member of the Musella family.

The Monetta family took responsibility for the estate as early as 1648, and through a succession of legal acts and donations eventually transferred it to the clergy. From 1660 onward, the property came under the administration of the Chapter of the Basilica.

As documented in Giacomo Carito’s study The Monetta Family and the Devotion to Saint Charles in the First Half of the 17th Century, the Masseria and its surrounding lands—covering approximately three hectares—supported an entire local community during its early centuries. Later, by the grace of God, it became a place of refuge, faith, and shared values for that same community.

Following the events of 1860, with the Savoy annexation—described by some as an invasion and by others as a liberation—the area experienced numerous incursions by brigands. The political interpretation of these events is best left to historians, and we refrain from entering that debate.

The Masseria was subsequently reborn under the ownership of Mayor Serafino Giannelli, later passing to the Giannelli Foundation. After the Second World War, it became the property of Baron Pispico of Lecce, who placed his noble coat of arms on the stone arch to the left of the entrance, where it can still be seen today.

Today, the current owners have decided to offer this extraordinary estate for sale. The local community looks forward to seeing this historic landmark restored to life—a timeless witness that has marked the most significant chapters in the history of this land for centuries.

The images represent one potential renovation outcome.