Visit to the Frantoio Rosso Ipogeo of Martina Franca

Visit to the Frantoio Rosso Ipogeo

Discover a captivating underground site where fossils embedded in the rock and ancient millstones recount age-old stories. A Visit to the Frantoio Rosso Ipogeo offers a journey into the past, perfect for those seeking an authentic, in-depth experience in Martina Franca, in the heart of Apulia.

If you need a guide (we have guides in Italian, English, German, French, Spanish) to accompany you on your visit to the Frantoio Ipogeo, you can purchase the service of an expert guide of the Frantoio Ipogeo separately. Once you have purchased the service, we will contact you to agree on which guide will accompany you.

Our History: From Ancient Times to the Present

The Frantoio Rosso Ipogeo was born in the Middle Ages from a natural cave, eroded by water and then enlarged by human ingenuity for the production of lamp oil. Until 1800, this precious oil was the only source of lighting, essential for everyday life.

Over the centuries, the mill continued to be used for processing olives, producing oil for medical, food, and hygiene purposes. It was then abandoned in the 1960s when new technologies made it obsolete.

Its revival began in 2005, thanks to the passion of an artisan who saw in these evocative spaces the opportunity to restore life and value to a one-of-a-kind historical witness. Today, visiting this oil mill is like flipping through the pages of a book—where each stone tells a chapter of a distant past.

Self-Guided Visit

If you prefer an independent approach, choosing the “self-guided” Visit to the Frantoio Ipogeo in Martina Franca lets you explore every corner of this structure at your own pace. You will find:

• A marked route with informational panels.
• Ancient fossils embedded in the stone walls.
• Historical equipment, such as millstones and presses, illustrating the evolution of oil production techniques.

Take your time to linger over whatever interests you most. There’s no rush: every detail, from the ceiling marked by water erosion to the walls that once housed small oil lamps, has a story to tell.

Points of Interest

1. Embedded Fossils

The rocks forming the ceiling and walls of the mill house fossils dating back millions of years. It’s a true geological timeline waiting to be explored.

2. Hypogean Architecture

The structure unfolds underground in an intimate and evocative atmosphere. Here, human craftsmanship has blended seamlessly with nature, creating functional and enchanting spaces.

3. Millstones and Historical Equipment

Take a close look at the stone millstones once used to crush olives and the original presses—tangible evidence of an agricultural economy from the past. Each tool reflects the ingenuity of the people who crafted and operated it.

Standard Ticket

• Cost: €5 per person
• Average Duration: 45 minutes
• Access: to the entire underground structure

We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure a smooth visit without waiting times.

Suggested Itinerary

1. Introduction to the Hypogeum

Upon arrival, a brief overview will help you understand the historical context: how a natural cave was transformed into an oil mill for lamp oil production and how it evolved until its closure in the 1960s.

2. Exploring the Underground Spaces

• Corridors and Rooms: Discover where the olives were worked and stored.
• Stone Walls: Admire the fossils and the traces of human intervention.
• Information Panels: Learn more about the extraction processes and the mill’s historical developments.

3. Original Equipment

As you continue, you’ll find millstones, presses, and collection basins. Observing these elements allows you to imagine the rustle of crushed olives, the aroma of freshly extracted oil, and the busy atmosphere of that era.

4. Conclusion

End your visit with an overview: this place is much more than just an oil mill; it’s a journey between past and future, where every stone holds the memory of ancient traditions.

Useful Tips

• Clothing: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as parts of the route may be slightly damp.
• Camera: Don’t forget to capture the most fascinating details, such as fossils and the old oil lamps.
• Time: Take as long as you need. The mill isn’t going anywhere—if anything, it’s waiting for you!

Why Visit the Frantoio Rosso Ipogeo?

A Visit to the Frantoio Rosso Ipogeo in Martina Franca provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience how ancient traditions and nature came together in an extraordinary place. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an archaeology buff, or simply looking for a different kind of adventure, this hypogean mill will not disappoint.

Get ready for a stroll through the past, where each stone whispers tales of work, effort, and passion. Visit the Frantoio Rosso Ipogeo: a journey that begins underground and will leave you wanting to explore even more of this remarkable region. Enjoy your visit!