Where we are
The Salento 
The Salento region is the most oriental region of Italy, an earthy frontier described as a balcony that leans out between two seas.
The history of the Salento has always been entwined with the east, since it was populations from Crete that founded the town of Lecce.
During the Bronze age, the Salento peninsula was inhabited by Indo-European populations.
During the fifth century, the Messopotaneans dwelled here, characterised by their devotion to agriculture, horse-breeding, and fine ceramic workmanship.
But already in the 8th century, Green farmers had founded enclaves along the coast, including the cities of Gallipoli, Otranto, and Taranto. This Greeks inhabited several communities in the Salento region including: Calimera, the Greek Castrignanto, Corigliano of Otranto, Martano, Martignano, Melpignano, Soleto, Sternatia, and Zollino.
After the invasion of the Romans, Salento became a Roman province.
After the Romans had conquered Salento, they discovered the fine paintings, sculpture, and poetry of the region. One of the greatest writers and poets of Rome, Quinto Ennio, came to the Lecce, where his archaeological remains can be found today. The Romans consolidated the road system, making Brindisi the end point of the Appian Way.
After the fall of the Roman empire, Salento suffered the domination of the Byzantines. Later, Norman conquest brought the region again to the centre of the world. With the Sieves, a long period of decadence began that continued with the Engines and the Arrogance until eventually the Spanish government brought new sacrifices to the earth. During this time, the peninsula experienced a long period of lootings and destruction. Following the Gothic invasions, the area eventually became penetrated by the Church of the east, due to the arrival of individuals escaping religious persecution. The population was divided between those involved in prayer and jobs in the fields.
Another important period for Salento involves the invasion of the Turks in 1480 that ransacked Otranto. During this time, Turkish resistance was punished with the killing of 800 inhabitants. Following that bloody event, the construction of a cathedral was erected commemorating the 800 martyrs, whose skulls remain on display today.
Lecce eventually became one of the most beautiful and important cities for cultural and artistic activities.
History of Olive-oil
The olive tree originated in the Middle East region and expanded west along the Mediterranean. The plant is entwined with the history of man and is a symbol of peace. This "tree of life" is now characteristic of the agricultural landscape of Salento.
The Puglia region provides an ideal climate for the growth of olives..