Depardieu is a frequent visitor to Salento, and has spent many happy hours as the guest of friends who own properties in the area. According to reports he is also a great fan of cucina salentina Salento cooking and loves visiting the restaurants of the area.

For an actor so rarely out of the papers, the beautiful Salento peninsula is a perfect choice and would allow him the peace and quite he craves as well as the chance to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the warmth and hospitality of its people. And should M. Depardieu be considering a masseria for his dream home, then we would be only too happy to help!

The International Property Awards, in association with Bloomberg Television and Google, was established 17 years ago and is the world’s most prestigious property competition, covering residential as well as commercial categories. Judging is carried out in a meticulous process involving a panel of over 80 experts and covering every aspect of the property business. The judges are not only looking for the most impressive and innovative projects, they are also examining the sustainability and eco-friendliness of every property and development that comes under their scrutiny.

Don’t forget we can create the same award-winning standard of property for you too in Puglia or Basiilicata, so why not contact us today?

You can now download the presentation of the masseria which won us the award and gives a history of the masseria tradition, information about the area and lots of beautiful photos.

The Palazzo del Sedile is a striking square building made of local stone pietra leccese – originally used for public meetings and hearings in the 16th century and the restoration work, which involved cleaning the stone facade and reinforcing the vaulted ceilings, uncovered frescoes depicting the life of Saint Irene which probably date back to 1622, although further study is needed to date them precisely.

Previously it had been thought that any frescoes that had been there were a tribute to Emperor Charles V but instead have revealed images of Saint Irene who was at the time the ‘Protector’ of Lecce. There do not appear to be any frescoes underneath those newly revealed by the restoration.

The little town had a magnificent open table in the Piazza Umberto 1 laden with traditional dishes created by the villagers in their own homes as an expression of solidarity and love.

The festivities began on the eve of the saint’s day, March 18 and continued into the evening of the 19th. The Tavola di San Giuseppe seated local dignitaries, but also, as per tradition, honoured three local Minervinesi citizens who had made an exceptional contribution in their particular field of expertise. This year they were Simone Maggio, Artistic Director of Radio Rama, Mario Mauro, Director of the Villaggio Robinson Club in Ugento and Salvatore Carecci, famous for spreading the fame of Italian cuisine in the Orient.

The row was over the scene featured in the middle of the blue and white Staffordshire transfer wear. Portmeirion claimed the world-famous picture, showing a street with a column topped by the statue of the Madonna with a church on the right and a bell tower in the background, was of their Welsh town. The southern Italians begged to differ saying the street was in fact via Roma in Maglie.

The argument was resolved by an international group of specialists who came down in favour of Maglie. Professor Carmelo Caroppo said “From now on, anyone in the world who buys blue and white English porcelain with this design can be said to have chosen a real and authentic souvenir of Maglie!”

From mid-September to mid-October is the time of the vendemmia (grape harvest) and, as the article mentions, the wine from the region now has a well deserved worldwide reputation. She mentions two in particular: The 2005 Leverano Doc Ross Riserva from the Cantina Vecchia Torre di Leverano ( the Vinitaly 2010 gold medal winner) and il Patriglione from the Azienda Agricola Cosimo Taurino di Guagnano which has been rated one of the top 100 wines in the world.

Although wine is a wonderful reason for visiting the region, you mustnt forget its other top attraction – the sea. You can still swim in Salento until mid October and the beaches are blissfully quiet although the sun is still hot enough to get a tan.

Ms. Del Re also advises venturing into ‘the interior’ (although the shape of the peninsula means you are never far from the sea!) and enjoying the autumn colours of the countryside and perhaps staying a few days at an agriturismo. Among the many wonderful sights to enjoy are the cities of Otranto and Tuglie near Gallipoli. Apart from visiting its fascinating museum, the Museo della Civilt Contadina you can also enjoy an ice cream at the fabulous Gelateria Provenzano in the main piazza. Imagine how wonderful it would be to stroll along in Salentos autumn sunshine eating a luscious Italian ice cream? Bliss!

Performers include Eddie Gomez, the American duo Tuck & Patti, Bebo Ferra’s Circle Trio and Gianni Serino’’s X-Press Trio, featuring for the first time Rodney Homes, the drummer from Santana.

Placed as it is between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, Otranto is a perfect location for this multicultural extravaganza.

There will be three concerts every day, featuring many different kinds of jazz – urban and country, black and white. There will also be master classes held on the 22 July, conducted by a host of world class teachers, including guitarist Garrison Fewell, flautist Matt Marvuglio and singer Bob Stoloff.

The peninsula will be swinging this July, of that there is no doubt! Why not go along and join in? www.otrantojazzfestival.com

The tomb, dating from the 4th century or 5th century BC was discovered at a depth of one metre in a large hole cut into the rock and was covered with two large stone slabs. Inside, archaeologists have found remains of an adult male who was connected with some kind of athletics.

A small jar of fragrant oil used to anoint the body was also found. The most exciting discovery was in the body’s left hand, which was holding a gold or bronze (accounts vary!) sheep with jewelled horns.