Skip to main content

Organic farm

Welcome to Santo Pietro

The Santo Pietro farm


Who we are? Our history

For two centuries we have been working on this land... which is also our home. Santo Pietro was purchased on September 3, 1818 by the Cupane family and in 1934 it came in succession to my great-grandmother Maria Cupane, who had married the Marquis Corrado Vergara Caffarelli. Since then, Santo Pietro is the heritage of the Vergara Caffarelli, dukes of Craco and Marquises of Comignano: first my great-grandfather Corrado, then my grandfather Fortunato, and today my father Francesco and I, Marta. Four generations joined by the sense of belonging to this land and its traditions. But this is the recent history of Santo Pietro.

Originally, more than a thousand years ago, these lands belonged to the Byzantine monastery of San Pietro di Deca, founded by monks of the Basilian order in the period before the 9th century, in the territory of San Marco d'Alunzio, in the province of Messina. The ruins of the monastery are still present in our olive groves and have been studied in several archaeological excavation campaigns by the School of Byzantine Studies of the University of Vienna (Austria) between 2002 and 2008. The discovery of a gold coin by the Emperor of Byzantium Michael II allowed it to be dated to the period 820-829 A.D.
It was probably abandoned during the centuries of Muslim rule, to return to new life under the Norman king Roger II who re-founded it, equipping it with land and rents.

The monastery was active until the first decades of the 17th century. Then, with the disappearance of Greek monasticism, it went into disrepair, although the main octagonal building with the dome remains standing to this day and between the eighteenth and nineteenth century was habitually used as a barn and shelter for shepherds.
In 2015 it was restored by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage of Messina.

The Farm

Santo Pietro is a farm, active for over two centuries, located on the hills at the foot of the ancient city of San Marco d'Alunzio, on the northern coast of the province of Messina, in front of the Aeolian Islands.
This territory has always been suitable for the cultivation of olive trees and in particular of the local varieties Santagatese, Oglialora messinese and Minuta, those that constitute the traditional heritage for the production of extra virgin olive oil recognized with the Protected Designation of Origin : "Valdemone".
In addition to ca. 40 hectares of traditional olive groves with ca. 6,000 centuries-old plants, today there are also almost three hectares of olive grove in irrigated intensive cultivation with about 4,000 olive trees of the Spanish variety Arbequina, planted in 2014.
Down the hills, a small plain is home to ca. 5 hectares of citrus groves with lemons of the Varieties Femminello Comune and Zagara Bianca and a mangoes plantation of 800 plants, also planted in 2014, with the varieties Kensington Pride, Tommy Atkins and Osteen.
As in all old farms, there is no shortage of summer gardens, chicken coops, hives and ... four cute donkeys.
For over 25 years, the whole estate has been conducted according to the rules of organic farming, with the total absence of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

  • Azienda 06

  • Azienda 07


A visit to Santo Pietro is a good occasion:

1. to learn that loving nature means knowing it, respecting it and taking care of it;
2. to discover the pleasure of giving your body healthy food and movement in the open air;
3. to understand how much work it takes to protect and care for plants and animals by obtaining good and healthy products, respecting the environment;
4. to recognize that there is a time for everything and you must know how to wait for the right day and the right season;
5. to avoid wasting water, food, soil and energy;
6. to appreciate the beauty of silence, the rural landscape and the testimonies of civilization that an almost immobile history has left in our countryside;
7. to develop personal qualities that will serve a lifetime.

They say about us


La recensione di Mathijs (Belgium)
Appartamento sul frantoio
18–23 set 2023

Overall rating 5/5

Francesco gave us a warm welcome after a flexible check-in, provided immediately a little tour around the old olive mill and its museum. Fresh eggs, peppers, lemons and olive oil were waiting upon our arrival. We stayed at the apartment for 6 days and absolutely loved the quiet surroundings. An ideal place for relaxing! Francesco's recommendations for food and places to visit, made our days.


La recensione di Christoph (Germany)
Appartamento sul frantoio
03–10 set 2023

Overall rating 5/5

Wir sind so glücklich diese einmalige Unterkunft gefunden zu haben. Es war ein wunderschönes Erlebnis, voller Ruhe, Natur und Gastfreundschaft. Hier kann man den Spirit von Sizilien erleben und genießen. Neben der großen Wohnung haben wir die Zeit am Pool genossen. Die Ausflüge in die Natur und Umgebung waren ein Traum. Obst und Gemüse und Bio-Eier direkt frisch für das Frühstück oder die Limetten für den Drink am Abend. Vielen lieben Dank an Francesco und Marta durch Euch haben wir das echte Airbnb Feeling erlebt. Wir kommen auf jeden Fall wieder. Eines unserer Highlights war definitiv die Fütterung der 3 Esel. Das Foto hiervon bekommt einen Platz an der Wand. Liebe Grüße aus Berlin nach Torrenova.


La recensione di Marie (Germany)
Piccolo appartamento in fattoria
29 ago – 04 set 2023

Overall rating 5/5

Wir hatten einen wunderschönen Aufenthalt. Da wir ohne Auto angereist sind, hatte Francesco uns vom Bahnhof abgeholt. Er war sehr hilfsbereit (über den Ort und die Region hat er uns mit großem Enthusiasmus berichtet, uns Fahrräder vermittelt). Der Ort ist wirklich sizilianisch magisch. Wir haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt.


La recensione di Zaïna (France)
Appartamento sul frantoio
29 ago – 03 set 2023

Overall rating 5/5

C'est un endroit magique et paisible. Francisco est un excellent hôte. Il prend soin de vous accueillir (huile d'olive, excellente et produits locaux) et il a pris le temps de nous expliquer l'histoire de la ferme. Je recommende cet endroit sans hesitation si vous cherchez le calme et le bien être 5/5 stars


La recensione di Laëtitia e Wilfried (France)
Piccolo appartamento in fattoria
18–23 ago 2023

Excellent séjour chez Francesco qui nous a accueilli très chaleureusement et nous a apporté de précieux conseils et informations. Le logement se situe dans un environnement paisible au calme, chargé d’histoire, avec une piscine très agréable.


La recensione di Aisha  (Great Britain)
Piccolo appartamento in fattoria
Appartamento in fattoria didattica
10–17 ago 2023

Overall rating 5/5

Nothing negative to say about our stay, it was absolutely perfect. So chill and the surrounding olive and mango groves were a stunning setting. Loved it!!This place is such a gem, Francesco is the perfect host. So peaceful and relaxed, we will definitely be returning!!


La recensione di Alexandre  (France)
Appartamento in fattoria didattica
05–10 ago 2023

Overall rating 5/5

Francesco nous a merveilleusement bien accueillis dans sa maison et a répondu à toutes nos attentes. La ferme est calme et son emplacement idéal pour visiter le nord de l'île avec une voiture de location, nous avons même pu passer une journée entière à Syracuse. En supplément de cette belle rencontre avec le propriétaire, nous avons pu profiter d'un logement propre, spacieux et très bien équipé. Nous avons aussi pu faire un tour guidé de la propriété et sommes même répartis avec quelques souvenirs, notamment de l'huile d'olive après avoir appris comment cette dernière était fabriquée sur place. La ferme comporte plusieurs logements, mais ces derniers sont complètement séparés les uns des autres. On profite donc chacun d'un espace complètement privé et sans vis-à-vis. Enfin, la piscine était un vrai plus car elle nous a permis de nous rafraîchir après nos longues journées de visite sur l'île. Nous espérons pouvoir revenir loger plus longtemps dans la ferme lors d'un prochain séjour.


La recensione di Esther (Netherlands)
Piccolo appartamento in fattoria
04–09 ago 2023

Overall rating 5/5

Prachtige ligging, veel groen en natuur, je bent vrij om over het landgoed te lopen en de host vertelt veel over de geschiedenis en de omgeving. We kregen een rondleiding in het olijfpersmuseum en hadden leuke gesprekken met de host die heel gastvrij is en goed Engels spreekt. Het zwembad ligt prachtig met een mooi uitzicht over Torrenova. Prachtige flora en fauna!


La recensione di Jan (Germany)
Piccolo appartamento in fattoria
29 lug – 04 ago 2023

Overall rating 5/5

Wir waren eine Woche da. Es war alles sehr schön. Sauberer Pool, gut ausgestattete Zimmer und Küche, die Kommunikation mit Francesco lief unproblematisch auch auch über Telefon. Wunderschöne Gegend und wenn man ein Auto hat kommt man schnell überall hin. Für Kinder und Erwachsene top geeignet. Insgesamt eine gute Entscheidung hier zu buchen. Auf jeden Fall weiter zu empfehlen.


La recensione di Sandra (Germany)
appartamento in fattoria didattica
19–28 lug 2023

Overall rating 5/5

Bei der Unterkunft handelt es sich um eine idyllische Wohnung, umgeben von Oliven- Orangen und Zitronenbäumen. Der Pool, mit einem schönen blick auf die Stadt und das Meer, der mit anderen Gästen des Hofes geteilt wird, war immer sauber. Francesco war ein toller Gastgeber, wartete bis tief in die Nacht auf unsere Ankunft die sich durch die Flugverschiebung verspätete. Er hat sich für uns Zeit genommenen, uns vom Bauernhof oder Italien allgemeinen zu erzählen, und all unsere Fragen zu beantworten.


La recensione di Nicolas (France)
Piccolo appartamento in fattoria
17–22 lug 2023

Overall rating 5/5

Francesco’s property is a haven of peace, surrounded by trees (orange, lemon, mango) within a vast olive grove overlooking the town of Torrenova, with a superb view of the small town and the sea. The apartment is located within a building full of charm and history. It contains everything necessary for cooking and you can eat in the shade on the private terrace under a hundred-year-old fig tree. Swimming pool is surrounded by trees and offer a beautiful view of the property. Francesco has been an attentive host, sharing good tips for nearby restaurants and shops and possible excursions in the region. He offered us olive oil and fruits from his ecological farm upon our arrival. He likes to share the culture and history of Sicily and his farm. Thank you Francesco for these moments of sharing ! The charm of old stones, calmness, and beauty of the property make this place an ideal starting point for visiting rural and typical Sicily. I highly recommend, we will come back.


La recensione di Mathilde  (Denmark)
Appartamento sul frantoio
16–21 lug 2023

Overall rating 5/5

Our stay was amazing. The apartment is cosy and has everything you need. The pool-area was perfect for the hot days, and offered relaxation in quiet and peacefull surroundings. The place is located in the midst of olive, lemon and orange trees, and you can take som nice walks. Francesco was a very attentive host, who picked us up at the station, helped us rent a car, and gave us a tour of the olive oil museum and telling us the history of the place. We can highly recommend this place.


La recensione di Jessica (Sweden)
Appartamento sul frantoio
05–11 lug 2023

Overall rating 5/5

Un séjour excellent et délicieux, non seulement l'endroit était magnifique, charmant et parfait pour les enfants (fermz avec animaux et piscine, que demander de mieux!) mais Francesco nous a fait sentier comme à la maison du début jusqu'à la fin! on quitte la Fattoria avec regret!


La recensione di Megan (Great Britain)
Piccolo appartamento in fattoria
29 giu – 07 lug 2023

Overall rating 5/5

My partner and I stayed at Francesco's place. We were immediately greeted by his daughter Marta and made to feel at ease and at home. As they live on a farm we were supplied with eggs, courgettes, Oranges, Lemons and limes that were all freshly picked from the farm that day. The accommodation, location and swimming pool are dream-like. It was so quiet and peaceful that we slept better than we do at home. We had several issues with our car to which Francesco immediately came to the rescue and helped us to fix. Not only that, but he rang the car hire company for us and told them what for. Marta provides brilliant tours of the farm describing the indepth history of discovering roman ruins on site, hidden ponds and every day life on the farm. I would sum up our stay as the true Sicilian experience due to the kind hearted nature of Francesco and his family alongside the wonderful accommodation and beautiful surroundings. We would go back in a heart beat if Francesco will have us.


La recensione di Jan (Germany)
Appartamento sul frantoio
27 giu – 02 lug 2023

Overall rating 5/5

Wir haben unseren Aufenthalt auf Santo Pietro sehr genossen, es ist ein wundervoller Ort. Die Ruhe, die reichhaltige Natur und das gute Essen tun der Seele gut und das Appartment lädt zum Verweilen ein. Marta und Francesco sind super liebe, hilfsbereite und offene Gastgeber, die einen Einblick in das Herz der Menschen Siziliens gewähren und immer eine gute Empfehlung haben Sizilien zu erleben und zu versteheb. Wir haben viel gelernt über die Geschichte der Insel, die Verbindung von Mensch und Natur und darüber was gutes Essen und Wohlbefinden ausmachen. So durften wir Sizilien auf eine Art kennenlernen, die auch unseren Alltag Zuhause bereichert und uns mit diesem wunderschönen Ort verbunden fühlen lässt. Vielen Dank für dieses schöne Geschenk, es gibt noch so viel zu entdecken, wir kommen gern wieder.


La recensione di Mairi-Annabel (Great Britain)
Appartamento sul frantoio
16–22 giu 2023

Overall rating 5/5

What a wonderful holiday. It’s not often I leave a place wanting to stay longer & being sad to be home, but Marta & Francesco’s farm is so peaceful & stunning that you could spend the whole summer there. A beautiful self contained apartment in a complex of larger buildings that used to form an old monastery, now converted into a home with a small farm attached. We saw the donkey’s, collected eggs from the chickens and walked among the lemon groves. Marta & her family were so warm & generous with their welcome; giving us fresh eggs (which we had for breakfast) & lemons, limes & zucchini’s grown from their garden. We were even able to share a home made pizza made by the farm helper Antonio in his pizza oven. This was truly a very special experience & although a simple apartment I think this was probably my best ever air bnb stay.


La recensione di Frank (Netherlands)
Appartamento sul frantoio
01–31 mag 2023

Overall rating 5/5

We were absolutely lucky to find this gem! The farm is beautiful and it’s awesome to stroll around through the olive trees or go visit the donkeys. Torrenova itself is surprisingly lively for a village, and the train station is walkable (20min) and brings you to Palermo or Messina a few times per day. Towards the south, picturesque old towns and beautiful nature can be discovered by bike or foot, which were absolute highlights of our stay. The apartment itself was absolutely suitable for a month long visit, the kitchen provides enough for cooking own meals and the pool is a great place to relax after a sweaty hike. But most notably, Francesco and his family were so hospitable and friendly! We will never forget our lunches and dinners together during which we learned so much about Sicily’s culture, history and food. We hope to be back soon!


Dalila Dekhil - Paris (FR)

Ho acquistato dall'azienda Santo Pietro Farm dell'olio extravergine di oliva.
Buonissimo, delicato, profumato... potrei scrivere tante cose!
Lo consiglio vivamente!
E i limoni erano buonissimi!
Complimenti a voi!


Lorenz Gallmetzer - Vienna.

"«Ozio con impegno!», mi ha consigliato Francesco al mio arrivo a Santo Pietro. Nell’apparente contraddizione delle tre parole c’è una sapienza profondamente mediterranea, siciliana. Perché «ozio» può essere inteso come semplice pigrizia, rilassamento, dolce far niente. Ma se lo si fa con fatica, dedizione o appunto impegno, allora può mutare in meditazione. La vista sulla distesa del mare dalla dolce collina dell’antica dimora padronale, circondata da ulivi, lo scorrere frenetico delle ali dei grilli e il profumo aspro del rosmarino, della salvia e della maggiorana, vi invitano ad immergervi nella campagna siciliana."


Zoltan Nagy, fotografo - Torino.

"Santo Pietro per fotografi, anche coloro che amano la fotografia trovano a Santo Pietro ispirazione per scattare delle belle immagini. La ricchissima, variopinta, lussureggiante vegetazione, la presenza di numerosi animali: asini, pavoni e galline, i colori dei prodotti dell’orto, la raccolta delle olive e degli agrumi, la vicinanza al mare e alle isole Eolie, dei monti Nebrodi, le feste popolari del vicino borgo San Marco d’Alunzio (uno dei più belli d’Italia) offrono svariati soggetti per i fotografi alla ricerca di temi da elaborare."


Alberto Stenico - Bolzano.

"Santo Pietro è luogo di natura e cultura in sintesi tra loro. Ci vai e Santo Pietro rimane dentro di te".


Alma, Kathy, Eva, Ludwig - Bolzano.

Abbiamo un bellissimo ricordo di Santo Pietro, è una fattoria splendida con le olive, il frantoio, gli aranceti, i limoni... Il sito archeologico e soprattutto gli amici siciliani: Marta e Maria Teresa e Francesco.

Press review