Beneath the streets of Martina Franca lies a hidden underground olive mill that tells the story of Puglia's centuries-old olive oil tradition. Join a guided visit through this fascinating hypogeum, carved into a natural cave and transformed during the Middle Ages into a working olive mill, where lamp oil was once produced for lighting homes, churches and cities.
Accompanied by an expert guide, explore the atmospheric underground rooms, discover original stone millstones, presses and historic equipment, and learn how olive oil production evolved from medieval techniques to the high-quality extra virgin olive oils produced today. Along the way, you'll also spot ancient fossils and oil lamps that bear witness to the site's remarkable history.
The experience concludes with a guided tasting of three locally produced extra virgin olive oils. Learn how to recognize their distinctive aromas and flavors while pairing them with crunchy frise bread, fresh mozzarella, the renowned Capocollo di Martina Franca and a glass of local wine. Before leaving, you'll also have the opportunity to purchase artisanal olive oils from different areas of Puglia as a delicious souvenir of your visit.
