Agriturismo Manfredi

We came in April, before the season had started, so we had the place to ourselves, which was lovely. It was so quiet and relaxing that we could hear the birds while we slept. The house is well cared for, and our room had a big terrace looking out toward the mountains, a coffee machine, and traditional products made by the family. The bathroom worked perfectly and had everything we needed. The sea is about a 15-minute drive away, with mountains and greenery all around. The pool was still covered in April, and meals weren’t available yet either. We’ll definitely come back to this peaceful spot in such a lovely setting.

Francesca Veltri took home the prize after plenty of discussion for her book "Malapace." The evening left me completely satisfied and morally enriched, with Nives Raso singing and Lorenzo Iorio on guitar. It was a thrilling event, and I came away richer for having been there. The 11th edition of the Muricello Prize was held last night at Agriturismo Manfredi, in the San Mango D'Aquino area. The six writer finalists were Angela Bubba, Annarosa Macrì, Francesca Veltri, Salvatore Franco, Aldo Mazza, and Martino Ciano. I’m fully convinced they’re all people of high moral and cultural caliber. Mauro Francesco Minervino also received a special award. Antonio Chieffallo, who came up with the idea, shared a memory of the young entrepreneur from San Mango who died too soon, full of joie de vivre. My dear friend and judge Antonio Pagliuso was there, along with Pina Labanca, Letizia Cuzzola, dear Emanuela Stella and her wife Giuseppe Spinelli, Francesco Antonio Fagà, and my dear friend Pasquale Gentile. Ugo Floro was there too, as were the other people who experienced the event.

Everything is kept in meticulous shape, and the olive trees frame a breathtaking view. It’s a peaceful oasis, just right for an event or a pleasant evening with friends and live music.

It’s right at the San Mango d'Aquino junction, a handy place to stop for something to eat. The food is excellent and grounded in tradition, and the young people behind it bring passion and flavor. The pizza is excellent too, I have to say.