From Gallipoli to Vernole

The itinerary starts in Gallipoli and its splendid historic district where it is still possible today to visit, near the 16th-century Palazzo Granafei, two important underground presses, ancient sites where oil was produced and characterised by the presence of underground facilities intended for the pressing of olives.
The trip continues towards the city of Sternatia where is it suggested you stop at the Frantoio ipogeo Granafei, which belonged to the noble family it was named after and is part of a network of nineteen agricultural structures connected by underground passages. Continuing towards the Adriatic coast, you reach Vernole and the Frantoio ipogeo Caffa, which dates back to the 1500s and was used for making olive oil until the early 20th century.

In Valle d’Itria

Crossing the Salento you reach the Valle d’Itria, a territory that stretches across the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto. Here, be sure to stop at Ostuni where, following a visit to its characteristic historic district, you reach the Piana degli Ulivi, in the open countryside, and the undergroundolive press known as Lacopagliaro, an interesting example of rural architecture dating back to the Middle Ages. Continuing in the direction of Cisternino, you will travel a lovely secondary road (SP 17) through cultivated fields, trulli, and drywalls. When you reach Locorotondo be sure to visit the Cantina Sociale and the characteristic historic district where you can stop and taste the local specialities cooked on the grill. During the afternoon, continue towards Martina Franca, a splendid Baroque city in the province of Taranto with is majestic palaces with finely sculpted portals. Don't miss the elegant churches of the historic district and the splendid decorations of the  Ducal Palace.

In the historic Ceramics quarter

This itinerary ends in Grottaglie, in the historical Ceramics Quarter where you can visit the various workshops that specialise today as they did centuries ago in the production of artistic and useful articles dictated by local tradition. Moreover, numerous trappeti or agricultural structures, located underground bear witness to the rural traditions of this karstic territory riddled with grottoes and natural caves. Be sure not to miss, just outside the historic district, the church and the convent of St. Francesco di Paola (16th century) with its annexed system of underground caves and grottos, including a press and underground cisterns once used by the monks for their water supply.