History

Valle Rita is a part of the ancient Fief of Girifalco.
It rises on a hill at a height of 72 mt. During the past times the Estate had great strategical importance because of its dominating position, able to catch the sight on the plain of Metaponto from one side and on the Valley of the river Rita on the other. As a matter of fact, the first building in this old fief was a watch Tower dating back the eleventh century.

Therefore through the centuries, because of its strategical value as well as for its fertile agricultural territory, the Fief of Girifalco belonged to the most important noble families: the Dorias in the 16th century, the Marches Alcanices and the Great of Spain from the 17th till the end of the 18th century. Afterwards the fief was given to S.M. Maria Cristina of Austria, who actually was the last landlord up to 1924.

After this date both the Fief and the Farm House were divided; nowadays a part of this property is Valle Rita.