Lecce
Underground Olive Mill Tour & Tasting near Otranto
Underground Olive Mill Tour & Tasting near Otranto
Step inside a 16th-century underground oil mill powered by wind and animals. Hear stories of old trades and legends, then taste local Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oils on rustic bread.
Free cancellation, 24 hrs before
Duration: 1.2 hour
Via Palombaro, 73020 Uggiano La Chiesa, Lecce
Small groups up to 15 participants
English, Italian







What travellers says ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Underground Olive Mill Tour & Tasting near Otranto
Experience
Highlights
- Explore a rare 16th-century olive mill carved into stone
- Taste two local EVOOs paired with rustic Pugliese bread
- Hear stories of trappitari, nachiri and Salento’s past
- Discover ancient olive oil production with sound and light
Full description
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.
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.
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.
Includes
- Guided tour of a 16th-century underground olive mill
- Hear stories of trappitari, nachiri and Salento’s past
- Tasting of 2 extra virgin olive oils from the region
- Bread made with Senatore Cappelli durum wheat
Excludes
Transportation to/from the estate
Meeting point
Frantoio Ipogeo Borgo Mulino a Vento
- Via Palombaro, 73020 Uggiano La Chiesa, Lecce
Lecce
On the map
More experiences in Lecce
-
Underground Olive Mill Tour & Tasting near Alberobello & Ostuni
Regular price €39,00Regular priceUnit price / per -
Olive Oil Mill Tour with Tasting near Bari
Regular price €30,00Regular priceUnit price / per -
Underground Olive Mill Tour & Tasting near Otranto
Regular price €49,00Regular priceUnit price / per

Make It Uniquely Yours with a Private Experience
Perfect for groups, corporate outings, or a relaxed luxury tour—customize your experience with a private booking in Lecce
Journey Through Italy & Beyond Every Week
Find fresh inspiration, savvy travel tips, and exclusive deals delivered right to your inbox.