From country retreat to hospitality gem

Hidden in the hills between Marano and Cerisano, first Christian and then Valentina Patitucci took the reins of a family dream and transformed it into an oasis of hospitality—where Victorian elegance meets a deep-rooted commitment to excellence.

There’s a distinct energy that radiates when you speak with Valentina Patitucci—a blend of determination and grace, a clarity of vision paired with a genuine love for her homeland. That energy is embodied in Borgo Citerium, an extraordinary project born of a father’s dream, and today one of the most captivating destinations in Calabria’s emerging hospitality landscape.

The story of Borgo Citerium began almost by chance. Around fifteen years ago, during a walk in the countryside between Marano and Cerisano, Valentina’s father, Enrico, fell in love with a property nestled in nature. There was no plan, no business strategy—just an instinct to purchase that land and turn it into a country retreat, a place for the family to escape the noise of city life. Alongside his eldest son Cristian, the first chapter of the journey began. What started as a private sanctuary eventually evolved into something far more sophisticated.

It was with Valentina, however, that Borgo Citerium discovered its true identity. After years spent in Milan, immersed in the pace of metropolitan life, Valentina decided to return to Cosenza and carry forward what her father had started. With vision and purpose, she took the helm and reimagined the Borgo as a place where elegance, nature, and top-tier hospitality converge. This wasn’t simply a renovation—it was an act of love. Guided by refined aesthetics and a clear mission, Valentina brought to life a corner of paradise inspired by both the Tuscan countryside and the Yorkshire region of Northern England—a timeless oasis where every detail reflects care, personality, and culture.

The six suites that make up the guest accommodations are a shining example of this vision. Each is decorated in elegant Victorian English style, featuring unique vintage pieces carefully curated—thanks in large part to her mother’s discerning eye. Guests are immersed in a sophisticated atmosphere: fine fabrics, antique furnishings, and harmonious colour palettes designed to welcome and delight. A stay at Borgo Citerium feels less like a visit to a Southern Italian agriturismo and more like retreat to a historic noble estate. Yet the hospitality is far from formal—it is warm, deeply personal, and genuinely familial.

Borgo Citerium is more than a premium place to stay. It is also a sought-after venue for weddings and special events, where the beauty of the surrounding landscape meets contemporary architectural design. The estate’s jewel is a stunning glass hall inspired by Milan’s garden houses, nestled within lush greenery—allowing guests to experience nature year-round. This space encapsulates Valentina’s modern vision of Calabrian hospitality: international in its language yet deeply authentic at its soul.

The property spans over two hectares, home to centuries-old olive trees, peaceful nature trails, and meditative corners, such as a cascading brook and a spring-fed pond with koi carp. More than picturesque features, these are living tributes to Enrico’s legacy and the spirit of continuity. Borgo Citerium invites reflection, a return to the earth, and to silence. Yet beneath the tranquility lies a dynamic force. Valentina looks to the future with clarity and ambition: new spaces have already been approved and partially built, including a wine cellar for private tastings and an industrial kitchen to support expanded service. Next on the horizon? A panoramic pool adjacent to an open-air grill—designed for informal, yet impeccably curated events.

In a region slowly awakening to its potential as a high-end destination, Valentina Patitucci stands out as a young yet authoritative voice committed to contributing to Calabria’s growth. She does not shy away from challenges—infrastructure remains a hurdle, despite improvements at Lamezia Terme Airport. For this reason, she advocates for an innovative and proactive model: collaborating with local institutions, creating tourism packages that integrate sea, mountains, and culture, and championing a new Calabrian identity rooted in quality, not improvisation.

At its core, Borgo Citerium is exactly that: a declaration of intent, a laboratory of style and vision, where tradition meets innovation, and family love evolves into refined entrepreneurship. It is a place where Valentina’s quiet strength fully comes to life—with calm energy, bold taste, and a desire to present a new image of Calabria: elegant, authentic, and sincere. 

Those who pass through its stone gates—whether for a night’s stay or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration—enter more than just a Borgo. They step into the heart of a dream made real.

Borgo Citerium is located in the enchanting territory of Cerisano, just 5 kilometres from Cosenza—an area known for its cultural vitality and forward-looking vision. In harmony with the approach of Mayor Lucio Di Gioia, who champions a development model rooted in beauty, hospitality, and culture, Borgo Citerium aspires to play an active part in shaping the region’s cultural and tourism landscape.