... a long and fascinating history dating back to the year 1100!
The underground olive mill of Ostuni, where the Caffè Cavour restaurant is now located, has a long history dating back to the year 1100. Originally, the mill was used for the production of olive oil, which was hidden in these underground spaces to protect it from looters. Over the years, the structure has been restored to preserve its historical atmosphere, maintaining original elements such as the oil decantation basins and the tunnel used for transporting olives.
Since 1999, the mill has been transformed into a restaurant, thanks to the work of Fabrizio Nacci, who oversaw its transformation into a modern space while respecting the historical importance of the place. Today, Caffè Cavour is a culinary landmark where tradition and innovation coexist, offering typical Apulian dishes made with local ingredients.
The houses along Corso Cavour in Ostuni were originally built at a higher level than the street. When Corso Cavour was created, the street level was lowered to facilitate passage, especially in a hilly area where access could be difficult. After this lowering of the road level, the houses that previously had entrances directly on the street found themselves at a greater height than the new level of Corso Cavour. For this reason, it was necessary to expand the existing steps and stairs to allow access to the entrances, which now appeared higher than the street level. This urban intervention is an example of how historic cities have adapted to changes over the centuries, while still maintaining their distinctive features.
Ostuni, along with other Apulian towns, played a crucial role in the production of lamp oil before the advent of electric energy. Lamp oil was a type of lower-quality olive oil, mainly used for illumination, from which the term "lampante" derives, and less for food.
Production and Use of Lamp Oil
During the pre-electric period, lamp oil was a fundamental resource for powering oil lamps, which served to illuminate homes, streets, and public buildings. Ostuni, with its numerous underground mills, contributed to the production of large quantities of oil. The underground mills were ideal for oil preservation as their cool and stable environment helped to better preserve it. Although lamp oil did not have the purity of extra virgin olive oil, its availability and low cost made it essential for domestic and industrial lighting.
The lamp oil produced in Ostuni and other Apulian towns was exported to various parts of Italy and Europe, particularly to Northern European countries, where it was used in oil lamps for streets and homes. Apulia was one of the main regions producing oil for lighting, and this trade significantly contributed to the local economy.
In essence, the lamp oil from Ostuni represented one of the most important energy resources of the time, before electric energy became widely available, and its production is closely linked to the agricultural and commercial history of the city.
The port of Villanova, located on the coast of Ostuni, played a fundamental role in the local economy during past centuries when lamp oil and other agricultural products were key resources for trade.
Export of Lamp Oil: As Ostuni was an important center for olive oil production, particularly lamp oil, the port of Villanova was the main departure point for the export of this valuable product to Northern Europe and other Italian regions. Merchant ships loaded the oil produced in the underground mills and transported it to countries like France, England, and the Netherlands, where it was highly sought after for lighting.
Agricultural Trade: In addition to oil, the port also served for the export of other local agricultural products, such as wheat and wine. Apulia was one of the main agricultural regions of the Kingdom of Naples, and the port of Villanova acted as a strategic hub for shipping these goods to other Mediterranean ports.
Coastal Defense: Over the centuries, Villanova was not only a commercial port but also had a defensive function. With the construction of the Villanova Castle (Torre San Leonardo) in the 15th century, the port became part of the defensive system against Saracen and pirate incursions. This protection was crucial for ensuring the safe transport of goods from Ostuni and the surrounding areas.
Connection to the Hinterland: The port of Villanova was not only a departure point for products but also an entryway for goods imported from other regions and abroad. Thanks to its proximity to Ostuni and other important agricultural cities, Villanova facilitated trade between the Apulian hinterland and the rest of the Mediterranean.
In summary, the port of Villanova was a vital hub for maritime trade, particularly of lamp oil, as well as for coastal defense, representing a fundamental resource for the economy of Ostuni and the surrounding region.