Underground Olive Mill Tour & Tasting near Otranto

Hidden beneath the sun-soaked landscape of Salento lies a forgotten world of stone, oil, and ancient labor. Few travelers know it exists—but once discovered, it leaves a lasting impression.

Just off the historic route between Cerfignano and Otranto, this guided experience takes you into the Frantoio Ipogeo Mulino a Vento, a stunning underground olive mill carved into the rock during the 16th century. Here, in the dim quiet of a natural cave transformed by human hands, history and myth come alive.

The tour begins with a descent into the hypogeum, a large circular chamber surrounded by original production zones—each space once dedicated to the different stages of olive oil processing. Massive stone wheels, pressing blocks, and storage basins still stand, bearing silent witness to centuries of work.

In its prime, this mill functioned through a combination of animal and wind power—a rare engineering feat that gave rise to its name: Mulino a Vento. Blindfolded donkeys once circled the room, powering the grindstones, while sails caught the wind to assist in the milling process. The structure was not just functional—it was a symbol of ingenuity and survival in a region where olive oil was more than food: it was light, currency, and identity.

Under the guidance of expert storytellers, you’ll explore the working life of the trappitari—the oil workers who lived underground during the harvest months. You’ll hear tales of their routines, their folklore, and their overseer, the Nachiro, who ruled this subterranean world. Visual and audio installations—including the short film "Dei Nachiri e dei Mercanti", created by acclaimed local filmmakers—bring their voices and history to life.

But this experience is not only about the past—it’s also about flavor.

After the visit, you'll enjoy a guided tasting of two varieties of local extra virgin olive oil, served both pure and with slices of rustic bread made from Senatore Cappelli durum wheat. The rich aroma, intense flavor, and slight peppery finish of Pugliese olive oil tell a story all their own—a story of land, sun, and time-honored care.

As you taste, you’ll learn how to distinguish notes of fruit, bitterness, and balance, and how best to enjoy this essential ingredient in your own cooking. It’s a simple moment that ties past and present together—just like this place.

Along the way, you may even hear whispers of legend—the tale of the strìare, the witches said to haunt the path beneath the walnut tree near the mill. According to local lore, they would lure travelers into dancing through the night until exhaustion claimed them. “Balla, balla, niri, balla forte,” they would sing—an echo from Salento’s deep, enchanted past.

This is not a museum. It’s a living memory carved in stone. A time machine powered by storytelling, craftsmanship, and the lingering scent of olive oil. Whether you’re passionate about history, food, or hidden treasures, this experience offers something rare: a journey into the unknown heart of Salento.