The ancient compound of Masseria Marinella, previously known as Masseria Melodia, is located between Altamura and Matera, an example of rural settlement with adjacent residence.
Its origins precede the 17th century as the circular tower positioned several dozen metres from the main building attests. The earliest written references link it to the wealthy Martini family. In December 1656, Vincenzo Martini was ennobled by King Philip IV of Spain. Later, the complex became part of the estates owned by the family of Tommaso Melodia, Mayor of Altamura, awarded the honour of Commendatore dell'Ordine della Corona d'Italia.
The importance of this settlement is borne out by the existence of a train station (on the Bari-Matera line) built in 1915 which seems correlated to the political activity of Nicola Melodia, a leading figure in Altamura society and a senator of Italy.
Unusually for rural settlements in the Altamura territory, the complex is full of original elements such as the imposing terrace on pointed stone arches. Work buildings and the lodgings for the farm workers were separate from the main house which develops mostly southwards. The windows of the reception rooms, their cross vaults decorated with gilded plasterwork, open out onto a front facing terrace supported on seven pointed stone arches. The Masseria is laid out around a courtyard, further developments incorporated additional buildings on a rectangular layout: the eastern façade has a simple chapel, stables and warehouses.
Masseria Marinella – Altamura (BA)
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