Tenuta Ciminata Greco

Just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Rossano, nestled in unspoiled nature amidst ancient olive groves and lush citrus orchards, stands Tenuta Ciminata Greco, a historical residence dating back to the 18th century. The ancient farmhouse offers elegant and comfortable accommodation in rooms, suites and apartments, offering an experience of absolute tranquillity in harmony with nature. The stone building, carefully restored to welcome guests from all over the world, still retains its ancient charm. Guests can admire the original stone arches, exposed wooden beam ceilings, imposing stone mills from the old oil mill, the historic library with over 5,000 texts and the private chapel.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the landscape, the ancient farmhouse offers spectacular views, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the authentic and incomparable colours surrounding it: to one side, the clear blue of the Ionian Sea with the Gulf of Corigliano, dominated by Dolcedorme, the highest peak of Mount Pollino; on the other, the silvery green of the olive groves climbing the surrounding hills, the brown of the chestnut trees, the beech trees and the dark brown hues of pine trees in the nearby Sila National Park.

Tenuta Ciminata Greco is perfect for couples, families and business travellers who enjoy contact with nature without sacrificing modern comforts.

The Greco Family
The Greco family, owners of the estate, is one of the most renowned and ancient families in the city of Rossano. Historical sources trace their origins back to the 13th century, with roots in Poland. The family crest features a golden Greek Y and a latch on a blue field, topped by a red band with three silver stars.

A family of literati and jurists, the Greco family received honours and held public positions, distinguishing themselves on several occasions for their proud spirit and purity of ideals. Their members have included loyal soldiers and also revolutionaries who defied the arms and laws of despotic regimes and conquering armies. Recognised as part of the nobility of Rossano, the family has been granted various privileges and the investiture of the fiefdoms of Arnaro and S. Lorenzo.

In the 1700s, the family acquired the Ciminata Estate, which remains the cornerstone of the family business to this day. The name “Ciminata” (derived from “cima,” meaning “summit”) refers to the Tenuta’s prominent position atop the hill. Originally, a tower stood at the top of the hill, extending towards the Ionian Sea.

The complex building, constructed later, features multiple levels and includes a central section to which smaller residential units are attached. It combines the harmony of a comfortable country residence with the distinctive appearance of the original defensive structure.

The history of Tenuta Ciminata Greco
Tenuta Ciminata Greco is located in Corigliano Rossano, in the urban area of Rossano. The estate has always served as the Greco family’s winter residence. From its construction until the mid-1960s, it was regularly inhabited during the olive harvest period, while the family traditionally moved back to their noble palazzo located in the historic centre of Rossano during the summer months.

In addition to the manor house, the property was composed of numerous farmhouses, which at the time were permanently inhabited by the farmworkers and their families attached to the estate. In winter, not only the resident families but also many from the surrounding interior would move to Tenuta Ciminata to assist with the olive harvest and milling. On Sundays and holidays, Holy Mass was regularly celebrated in the chapel, which represented the spiritual centre of the agricultural community.

By the late 1960s, the shift from rural to industrial society led to a gradual change in the work environment, resulting in a reduction in the number of workers cultivating the land and the consequent abandonment of the farmhouses. Over the years, the ageing buildings, exposure to the elements and lack of maintenance compromised their conditions and stability. In the early 1980s, with a return to agricultural focus, new generation of the family began a careful and meticulous restoration project, which continues to this day, reviving the splendour of the 18th-century architecture in a new form.

The ancient oil press, fully renovated and adapted to modern needs, is the centrepiece of the entire estate. Visitors can admire the majestic stone arches and the mills, deliberately preserved in their original locations, as well as the underground cisterns, which are lined with 19th-century glazed majolica tiles. These cisterns were once used to store the oil produced by the renowned “Dolce di Rossano” cultivar that still dominates the estate today, surrounded by centuries-old trees that enhance the landscape.

Facilities and services at Tenuta Ciminata Greco
Today, the estate offers 21 rooms, suites and apartments, just perfect for tourists coming from all over the world who are keen to discover the beauty of Calabria, particularly the Sibaritide region and the city of Corigliano-Rossano.