1LE/FI

Among the wonders that Salento has to offer are the ancient underground oil mills, true mines of Salento's rural history that are hidden underground.

The underground oil mills have an ancient history that dates back to centuries ago, when with the Byzantines the economy of the region shifted from wheat to the sale of lampante oil. These places were previously used for the production and storage of grain and were then converted for oil production.

The underground oil mills are dug into the rock and the underground environment guaranteed better conservation and the possibility of hiding the resources from possible enemies. In these places a whole series of workers took care of the production of oil under the supervision of a figure who took the name of "nachiro". Over the centuries, the workers worked in the underground oil mills from November to April/May and during the months of work they never left the oil mill. In fact, the workers lived underground and only went out for parties and religious events.

The oil produced was initially used for lighting and for this reason it was called "lamante oil". A small part was intended for the domestic use of local inhabitants, while a large part was exported to the large and rich European cities.

The underground oil mills now constitute an integral part of the Salento territory: they tell the story of a land in which rural culture has always dominated.

Over time, however, the charm of these places hidden underground has generated some myths, such as that of the "aurochs". These are legendary creatures, like little mischievous elves, who tradition has it populated the oil mills.

From 15/09/24 to 15/10/24

Final Log

1LE76
2EK/TN
142WM/0
91EK/OC075
29FRG001
116TV100
21AT106