Frantoio Rosso Ipogeo Martina Franca: Visit to the Medieval Oil Mill

Discover the secrets of the Frantoio Rosso Ipogeo, a historic medieval oil mill nestled in Martina Franca. This immersive one-hour guided tour offers a glimpse into the evolution of olive oil production, from the 18th century to modern times. Priced at €7.00 per person, the experience promises a taste of local products and insights into the site’s rich cultural heritage. With live guides in multiple languages and wheelchair accessibility, the visit promises to be both informative and engaging. What awaits visitors within these hallowed walls?

Key Points

• Guided tour of a historic 18th-19th century olive mill with insights into the evolution of olive oil production.
• Tasting of locally produced olive oil and traditional products.
• Wheelchair accessible with live tour guides in English, Spanish, and Italian.
• Immersive experience showcasing the geological eras and industrial heritage of the site.
• Convenient meeting point near the Church of St. Francis or the highway to Alberobello.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Visit Details and Pricing

The visit to the Medieval Oil Mill is priced at €7.00 per person.

The Medieval Oil Mill visit is priced at €7.00 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Visitors can reserve now and pay later.

The experience is valid for 1 day, and guests can check availability for starting times.

The tour offers guided exploration of the renovated olive mill, showcasing industrial archaeology and providing tastings of local oil and typical products.

The site is wheelchair accessible, and live tour guides are available in English, Spanish, and Italian.

Highlights of the Experience

Visitors can expect a guided tour of the renovated olive mill, delving into the fascinating realm of industrial archaeology. The experience highlights include:

| Highlights | Description |

| — | — |

| Guided Tour | Explore the historic olive mill and learn about its evolution. |

| Tasting | Sample local olive oil and other typical products. |

| Accessibility | The site is wheelchair accessible. |

| Language Options | Live tour guides available in English, Spanish, and Italian. |

| Historical Insights | Journey through the geological eras and oil production history. |

The tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the transition from early lamp oil to modern edible oil production, all while observing fossils and the evolution of milling techniques.

Itinerary and Activities

Starting at the designated location of Via Alberobello, 16 in Martina Franca, visitors can expect a one-hour guided tour of the renovated olive mill.

The tour will take them on a journey through geological eras and the history of oil production, allowing them to observe fossils and the evolution of milling techniques.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste local olive oil and other typical products.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and guided tours are available in English, Spanish, and Italian.

The visit is a fascinating exploration of industrial archaeology and the community’s rich oil production heritage.

Historical Context and Evolution

Although olive oil production in the region has a long and storied history, the medieval olive mill at this site offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of the industry.

The mill chronicles three key phases:

The mill chronicles three key phases: early production, transition to edible oil, and modern renovations for events and tastings.

1. Early production using lanterns and lamp oil (18th-19th centuries)

2. Transition to edible oil until the 1960s

3. Modern renovations that have transformed the space into a hub for events and tastings, including the incorporation of 3D printed oil lamps.

This journey through geological eras and oil production techniques provides visitors with a fascinating and immersive historical experience.

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Visitor Feedback and Accessibility

How do visitors rate their experience at the medieval oil mill? Based on two reviews, the tour receives an overall rating of 5/5.

Visitors highlight the authenticity and historical significance of the site. The medieval oil mill is wheelchair accessible, with toilet facilities, user-friendly stations, and a Wi-Fi network available.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 4 years old. The meeting point is accessible from the center near the Church of St. Francis or from the highway to Alberobello, making it convenient for travelers.

Location and Meeting Point

The medieval oil mill is located at Via Alberobello, 16 in Martina Franca.

The meeting point is easily accessible from two locations:

1. From the center, near the Church of St. Francis.

2. From the highway to Alberobello.

The facilities include a Wi-Fi network, providing visitors with connectivity during their tour.

Visitors can easily find the mill and arrive at the designated meeting point to embark on their exploration of this historical oil production site.

Exploring the Geological Eras and Oil Production History

As visitors step into the medieval oil mill, they embark on a journey through geological eras and the rich history of oil production. The guided tour delves into the evolution of oil milling techniques, from early lantern-based methods to the transition to edible oil in the 1960s. A fascinating table outlines the key historical insights:

| Era | Oil Production Phases |

|—–|———————-|

| 18th-19th Centuries | Lanterns and lamp oil |

| 19th-20th Centuries | Community life during production months |

| 1960s | Shift to edible oil |

| Present Day | Modern renovations for events and tastings |

Visitors can observe fossils and trace the technological advancements that have shaped the olive oil industry over centuries.

Discovering the Transition to Edible Oil Production

Sometime in the 1960s, the oil mill underwent a pivotal shift, transitioning from producing lamp oil to focusing on edible olive oil. This change reflected the evolving needs and preferences of the local community.

The transition involved three key aspects:

The transition involved adapting production, diversifying the product range, and modernizing the facilities to accommodate new requirements.

1. Adapting production techniques to yield higher-quality oil for culinary use.

2. Diversifying the product range to include specialty oils and other typical local goods.

3. Modernizing the facilities to accommodate the new processing and tasting requirements.

This shift solidified the oil mill’s role as a hub of community life, preserving its historical significance while adapting to the modern era.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour has a minimum age requirement of 4 years old. Children under 4 are not suitable for the tour, according to the visitor information provided.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, visitors are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes a tasting of local oils and products, so bringing outside items is not permitted. Refreshments can be purchased on-site.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

Yes, there are some discounts available. Visitors can get a reduced rate of €7.00 per person, and there’s also a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How Long Does the Guided Tour Typically Last?

The guided tour typically lasts around 1 hour. Visitors can explore the renovated olive mill, learn about its industrial archaeology, and sample local oils and products during the experience.

Is Photography Allowed During the Visit?

Photography is allowed during the visit. Visitors are welcome to take photos throughout the guided tour to capture the historical olive mill, fossils, and production equipment.

The Wrap Up

The Frantoio Rosso Ipogeo in Martina Franca offers a unique glimpse into the history of olive oil production. Visitors can explore this medieval oil mill, learn about the evolution of the industry, and taste local products. With accessibility features and multilingual guides, the tour provides an engaging and immersive experience that showcases the site’s cultural heritage and authenticity.

You can check availability for your dates here: