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Palazzo Margherita, built in 1892 in Bernalda by the Margherita family, is a true 19th century palazzo. The town is the ancestral home of film director Francis Ford Coppola, who has lovingly converted the building into a small but very luxurious hotel.
A stay at Francis Ford Coppola's house in his ancestral home in the 15th century village of Bernalda in historic Matera is a truly unforgettable experience
Learn to prepare typical dishes of the region at the fabulous complimentary cookery classes offered by Palazzo Margherita. You can even hand-make, cook and taste your own pasta creations!
Bernalda is unlike most of our destinations in Italy - totally unspoilt with next to no tourists around, it's a chance to discover the real Italy (Hollywood star style, of course!)
The enormous suites on the piano nobile are beautifully decorated and appointed, with stunning bathrooms and gorgeous frescoed ceilings
More than just a high end boutique hotel, Palazzo Margherita is the labour of love of Francis Ford Coppola and his family. They have transformed this original dilapidated palace into an experience halfway between a stay at one of Italy's finest hotels and that of being hosted by the Coppolas themselves.
Palazzo Margherita is located right in the centre of the quaint, unpretentious town of Bernalda. Until now unvisited by tourists, it retains the down to earth charm of a run of the mill but historic and attractive rural Italian town. The staff at the hotel are almost all from local families, and Coppola's investment is playing a part in the regeneration of this sleepy yet charming town.
Bernalda is great base for exploring unspoilt Basilicata, from its un-crowded beaches to its historic Baroque towns, including Matera, a UNESCO heritage site and highlight of any visit to this fascinating region.
As long as the eponymous occupants are not in residence, you can stay in Francis' own suite, or its neighbour designed according to the preferences of his daughter Sofia. Both have large outdoor spaces with views over the charming garden. There are more modestly priced garden suites housed in the palace's former outhouses.
Behind Palazzo Margherita is a fragrant and lovingly tended garden, ideal for wiling away the balmy afternoons with a book, and behind this a 10 metre swimming pool. Snacks and drinks can be served at all the outdoor areas.
The Coppolas have included in their plan a huge cinema room with state of the art equipment and a library of the best Italian and international films. The film library can also be viewed using the state of the art audio-visual systems installed in each guest room.
When to visit
For a special treat book Francis' or Sofia's own suite and enjoy the chance to live like a Hollywood film director!
Cooking Classes
Golf
Tennis
Chef
Palazzo Margherita is located in the small hilltop town of Bernalda in the province of Matera. It is a 20-minute drive to the beach and a 1-hour drive to the National Park.
The flight from Gatwick to Bari takes 2 hours 45 minutes, then it's a 75 minute drive to Bernalda.