Villa Cenci Relais Masseria
Strada Prov. per Ceglie Km1, 72014 Cisternino, Bari, Puglia, Italy

About

Villa Cenci Relais Masseria is a whitewashed Puglian estate surrounded by olive groves, with 30 elegant rooms, a turquoise pool, and space for 150 guests — the perfect blend of rustic tradition and refined luxury for timeless countryside weddings.

Villa Cenci is the ideal location for ceremonies and events, offering the Mediterranean elegance of a villa immersed in the lush Apulian countryside.

Located in the heart of Apulia, on the hills of Cisternino, a few minutes' drive from both the coast and the beauty of Valle d’Itria, Villa Cenci is an ancient Apulian masseria whose structure has been renovated, giving it new life.

Getting married at Villa Cenci means being surrounded by the purity of the masseria, with the trulli that serve as witnesses to the special days, and with the natural stone that lends elegance and warmth to every occasion.

Villa Cenci Relais Masseria

An authentic Apulian wedding is also about details. Colour details, such as the blue doors of the relais, the same shade as the Apulian sky and sea, and attention to detail, including the care that makes every celebration at Villa Cenci unique.

The bond between Villa Cenci and nature is indissoluble and lives on the beauty of all the most distinctive corners of the masseria.

Every guest of the Relais Villa Cenci is always accompanied by the feeling of being at home, thanks to the intimate and family atmosphere. In addition to being the perfect place to celebrate special events and important days, our masseria is the ideal retreat for living precious moments of relaxation.

The 34 rooms are distributed around the pool, in the villa and in the 17th-century trulli. The complex has preserved the existing structure, thanks to the use of recycled materials, allowing guests to relive the magical, relaxing, and traditional atmosphere of Apulia.

Villa Cenci Relais Masseria

Enjoy your drinks reception and cocktails on the lawns by the large swimming pool. The finest cuisine for your wedding feast, combined with a genuine sense of authenticity and freshness with organic produce grown in the gardens.

The flavours of the Itria Valley come to life in our recipes, enriched by the decorative flair and creativity of our chef. Territory, passion, and beauty come together in every event celebrated at Villa Cenci.

Set within 13 hectares of natural surroundings and featuring white-washed walls and conical-roofed houses, Villa Cenci makes it a truly magical and authentic venue, where tradition meets luxury.

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More about the venue

Villa Cenci Relais Masseria At a Glance

Location: Cisternino, Puglia, Italy
Venue Style: Luxury countryside masseria, rustic chic, authentic Puglian estate
Capacity: 180 guests,
Accommodation: 34 rooms  80/90 beds.
Dining: Farm-to-table Puglian cuisine with bespoke wedding menus
Pool & Gardens: Turquoise pool, citrus groves, and fragrant herb gardens
Pricing: Tailored packages based on guest count, menu, and season
Best Season: May to October for sun-filled weddings and alfresco dining
Exclusive Hire: Entire estate available for multi-day celebrations

Other Features:

  • Historic Trulli Architecture: The estate’s iconic trulli dwellings and vaulted stone ceilings create a sense of place that is uniquely Puglian, offering magical backdrops for both ceremonies and photography.
  • Olive Groves & Countryside Views: Centuries-old olive trees and sweeping rural landscapes surround the villa, creating a natural stage for vows and golden-hour portraits.
  • Wellness & Indulgence: Couples and guests can enjoy poolside yoga, private spa treatments, or quiet mornings in shaded gardens, adding a restorative rhythm to the wedding weekend.
  • Authentic Experiences: Wine tastings, olive oil ceremonies, and cooking classes transform the wedding into a cultural immersion, giving guests memories that extend beyond the celebration.
  • Flexible Spaces: From intimate courtyards lit by candlelight to sweeping lawns that welcome marquee receptions, the estate adapts to suit both small and large-scale celebrations.
  • Pet-Friendly: Four-legged companions are welcome, allowing couples to share their day with every member of the family.
  • Dedicated Events Team: Villa Cenci’s team works closely with wedding planners and couples to curate every detail — from décor and entertainment to menus and timelines — ensuring a flawless experience.
  • Multi-Day Celebration Potential: The estate is ideally suited for extended weddings, with space for welcome cocktails, rehearsal dinners, pool parties, and farewell brunches, transforming your event into a true house-party-style retreat.

Swimming Pool

At the heart of the estate lies a turquoise pool, embraced by olive trees and elegant stonework. By day, it is a serene retreat for sun-drenched cocktails. By evening, it becomes a glamorous stage for aperitivo hours, candlelit dinners, or relaxed brunches the morning after.

The gardens, filled with citrus trees and aromatic herbs, provide an atmospheric setting for ceremonies and photography. Every corner offers beauty — from the olive groves to the pergolas draped in vines — ensuring your wedding flows across spaces that feel authentic and timeless.

Reviews

Oliver Venndt
October 1, 2025
The venue itself is stunning
We celebrated our wedding at Villa Cenci and it was nothing short of magical. The venue itself is stunning, offering a variety of beautiful spaces both indoors and outdoors that provided the perfect backdrop for our special day. What truly set Villa Cenci apart, however, was the staff. Everyone was incredibly friendly and went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience possible. Their genuine care and enthusiasm made our wedding truly memorable. We highly recommend Villa Cenci for anyone looking to host a remarkable event or wedding.
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Location

Strada Prov. per Ceglie Km1, 72014 Cisternino, Bari, Puglia, Italy
Get directions
Oliver Venndt
October 1, 2025
The venue itself is stunning
We celebrated our wedding at Villa Cenci and it was nothing short of magical. The venue itself is stunning, offering a variety of beautiful spaces both indoors and outdoors that provided the perfect backdrop for our special day. What truly set Villa Cenci apart, however, was the staff. Everyone was incredibly friendly and went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience possible. Their genuine care and enthusiasm made our wedding truly memorable. We highly recommend Villa Cenci for anyone looking to host a remarkable event or wedding.
Did you find this review helpful?

Capacity + Chart images

Villa Cenci Relais Masseria is designed for celebrations that feel both intimate and abundant.

  • Ceremony Guests: Up to 150 loved ones can gather beneath the olive trees or in the estate’s courtyards, where every space feels naturally theatrical.
  • Reception Capacity: Dine and dance with 150 guests beneath a canopy of stars, with long tables, glowing lanterns, and the gentle hum of Southern Italy carrying through the night.
  • Accommodation: With 30 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, the estate sleeps 60–70 guests onsite. For larger parties, nearby villas ensure every guest has a luxurious place to stay within easy reach.
  • Minimum Stay: Weddings are typically hosted over a two-night stay, creating the atmosphere of a private retreat. This allows time for welcome cocktails, a relaxed recovery brunch by the pool, and the chance to live the Puglian rhythm truly.

Pricing/Offers

Every wedding at Villa Cenci Relais Masseria is crafted as a bespoke experience, designed to reflect the couple’s vision and the estate’s timeless atmosphere.

  • Exclusive Hire: The entire estate can be reserved, with pricing tailored to the season, the number of guests, and the scale of the celebration, ensuring absolute privacy and flexibility.
  • Menus: Dining is priced per guest, with options ranging from abundant Puglian feasts to elegant multi-course banquets. Enhancements include curated wine pairings, aperitivo hours in the gardens, and late-night service that keeps the party alive.
  • Multi-Day Packages: Extend your wedding into a true Puglian retreat, with welcome cocktails beneath the olive trees, a leisurely recovery brunch by the pool, or immersive experiences like wine tastings and cooking classes.

Here, pricing is not a fixed template but a starting point for storytelling, weaving together space, flavour, and atmosphere into a celebration that feels uniquely yours.

Dining

The culinary experience at Villa Cenci is deeply rooted in Puglia’s farm-to-table traditions.

  • Seasonal Menus: Handmade pastas, heirloom vegetables, olive oil pressed from the estate’s groves, and fresh catches from the Adriatic.
  • Authentic Flavours: Burrata, focaccia, orecchiette, and slow-cooked lamb served with flair.
  • Wine Pairings: Carefully curated selections of local Apulian wines, from crisp whites to bold primitivos.
  • Bespoke Menus: Collaborate with the chef to create multi-course feasts, relaxed sharing platters, or sophisticated plated dinners that reflect your unique story.

Venue Availability

Villa Cenci Relais Masseria welcomes weddings from May to October, the season when Puglia reveals its most enchanting self. Each chapter of the year carries its own beauty, allowing couples to choose the atmosphere that best reflects their love story.

  • Spring and Early Summer: The estate is surrounded by wildflowers, the days are kissed by gentle warmth, and the light is soft and golden — perfect for romantic photography and graceful garden ceremonies.
  • High Summer: Evenings linger long into the night, with alfresco banquets under clear skies and a vibrant atmosphere that suits lively celebrations filled with music, laughter, and dancing.
  • Autumn: The sunsets take on a deeper glow, the air softens into mild breezes, and the harvest season offers rich flavours for unforgettable dining experiences.

Because of its exclusivity and the popularity of Puglia’s wedding season, prime weekends are often reserved 12 to 18 months in advance. Couples are encouraged to secure their dates early, ensuring the full estate is theirs to enjoy in complete privacy.

Rooms

The estate features 30 rooms and suites, situated within trulli dwellings and villa-style accommodations. Each room reflects the rustic purity of Puglia’s architecture, featuring whitewashed walls, stone arches, and natural textures, all softened by luxurious bedding and modern amenities.

  • Bridal Suite: A spacious, light-filled sanctuary with private terraces and serene views — perfect for morning preparations and photography.
  • Guest Rooms: Each suite is unique, with some featuring vaulted ceilings, others offering garden patios or plunge pools, providing guests with their own retreat within the estate.
  • Onsite Capacity: 60 to 70 guests, with additional nearby villas for overflow accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the villa be hired exclusively?
Yes. Reserve the entire estate and enjoy complete privacy, flexible timelines, and a setting that feels entirely your own.

How many guests can stay on-site?
Thirty beautifully curated rooms host around sixty to seventy guests, and elegant partner villas nearby welcome additional friends and family.

What is the maximum guest capacity for the celebration?
Up to one hundred fifty guests for a seated dinner and a night of dancing under the stars.

Is there a minimum stay requirement?
Yes. Weddings are typically hosted over a two night stay, ideal for welcome cocktails, the wedding day itself, and a relaxed brunch by the pool.

Can we hold a civil or symbolic ceremony at the villa?
Yes. The gardens, olive groves, and courtyards provide poetic settings for both civil and symbolic vows.

Do you provide catering?
Yes. The in house culinary team designs bespoke menus that celebrate seasonal Puglian ingredients, with thoughtful wine pairings on request.

Is live music permitted?
Yes. From string quartets to DJs and traditional performers, the estate welcomes curated entertainment with guidance on timings and sound.

Can the pool area be used for events?
Yes. It is a favourite for golden hour aperitivo, candlelit dinners, and leisurely brunches the morning after.

Are pets welcome at the celebration?
Yes. Well behaved four legged guests are invited to be part of the story, with prior notice.

Is planning support available?
Yes. A dedicated events team collaborates with you and your planner, refining layouts, menus, timelines, and every stylish detail.