Mater Familias Oasis

The rooms and property are thoughtfully put together, full of character, and have lovely views. Laura and Davide were so hospitable and kind that staying at the farm felt like being at a friend’s house. Coming back to the animals greeting you never gets old! I’d happily return. I’m sure there are plenty more memories to make here.

A peaceful, beautiful place where nature, animals, and pets all seem to live in harmony. The rooms are lovely, and Laura and David make you feel welcome. It really is a place for the soul.

We meant to stay at Pater Familias for just two nights, then ended up asking to stay until our holiday was over. We simply didn’t want to leave. Now that I’m home, I still feel the emotion of those days. Pater Familias isn’t just a B&B, it felt like home, a refuge, and a hug, full of affection, nature, and human warmth. From the moment we arrived, Laura and Davide welcomed us with such genuine warmth, opening up their home and their simple, loving world to us. Their children, aged eight and six, were there too. They’re lively, sweet, and well behaved, and joined in with the welcome. Once you walk through the gate, it feels like another, almost enchanted world. Dogs, chickens, turkeys, and peacocks wander through the big garden among the trees. In a larger natural area there are horses, sheep, geese, a sweet pet pig, and even two curious, attentive emus. Each animal has a name and is treated with love and respect as part of the family. Our apartment was tastefully and thoughtfully renovated, while keeping the original features of the old monastery where the family now lives. Every morning we could watch the sun rise from the terrace, hear the rooster greet the day, and see the farm waking up. It was pure peace. The location makes it easy to visit Syracuse and Ortigia, with its long history, Greek temple ruins, Duomo-Cathedral, beaches, lidos, rocky coves, and wild nature full of scents. But what stayed with me most was the atmosphere. In just four days we felt a rare kind of affection, and we’ll carry those smiles and this authentic family in our hearts. They’ve chosen to live in harmony with the land and share it with the people who arrive. When the gate closed behind us, I knew we were leaving somewhere special. It was more than a holiday, it was magic. Highly recommended, wholeheartedly.

We found Pater Familias B&B almost by chance while on vacation in Syracuse, and it became one of our loveliest discoveries. It’s set among nature reserves and beautiful beaches, but Ortigia is only a few minutes away by car. The property is in a former Jesuit monastery, lovingly renovated by Laura and Davide. Our apartment was bright, spacious, spotless, and tastefully furnished to suit the historic setting. We especially loved the private terrace over the citrus groves, a quiet spot for meals or just taking in the view. The grounds feel like a green oasis, with fragrant citrus trees and unusual animals including emus, peacocks, goats, and horses. Laura and Davide made the difference with their warm, heartfelt welcome. They were kind and helpful, and had us feeling part of their world right away. We extended our stay through the end of our holiday because we enjoyed it so much. There’s also a panoramic spa. We didn’t try it because the weather was still pleasantly warm, though it seems like a nice extra in milder weather. The stay was peaceful and genuine, and left a lasting impression. Highly recommended if you’re in Syracuse.