Guided visit to the Medieval Gardens of Ostuni

Exploring the Medieval Gardens of Ostuni offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rural past and agricultural traditions. This guided tour, lasting approximately 1.5 hours, takes visitors beneath the historic core of Ostuni to visit the Giardini della Grata, ancient vegetable gardens that showcase biodynamic and organic cultivation methods. Led by a passionate local guide, this experience combines nature, history, and local flavors, making it ideal for those seeking an authentic and educational activity in Italy’s Apulia region.

While the tour offers a rich cultural insight and exclusive views of the White City from a different perspective, it’s important to note that the route features outdoor walking on uneven terrain such as dry stone walls, ancient canals, and stone terraces. This activity is suited for many but not accessible for people with mobility challenges. The experience offers a memorable way to connect with Ostuni’s agricultural roots, taste fresh produce, and enjoy scenic vistas.

Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours guided tour, with flexible starting times
• Location: Starts at Bio Solequo Coop in Ostuni, Italy
• Experience: Walk through medieval vegetable gardens and learn about biodynamic farming
• Highlights: Organic product tasting directly from the gardens, and an exclusive panoramic view of Ostuni
• Inclusions: Recognition and harvesting of vegetables, tools provided, and a local expert guide speaking Italian and English
• Gift: Small takeaway, such as EVO oil or tomato “cioppa” to bring home

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Medieval Vegetable Gardens of Ostuni

This tour begins at Bio Solequo Coop, located on Via Salvatore Tommasi, near a paid parking lot and easily accessible on foot from the center of Ostuni. The meeting point is straightforward, with the guide waiting in front of a green gate to start your exploration.

Over 1.5 hours, the guide leads you through dry stone walls, ancient canals, and wells dug into the rock, offering a vivid picture of historic irrigation techniques. Visitors recognize native vegetable varieties that are cultivated using organic and biodynamic methods, reflecting Ostuni’s commitment to biodiversity and traditional farming.

The guide shares stories linked to the rural landscape, giving insight into how such agricultural practices supported local communities in the past. This part of the tour emphasizes cultural preservation and highlights a project that actively protects local plant varieties, making the experience not just scenic but meaningful.

Walking Through the Historic Gardens and Stone Terraces

The Giardini della Grata are a core element of this tour, showcasing ancient vegetable gardens that have been cultivated for generations. The gardens are set among stone terraces that have remained largely unchanged over centuries, representing traditional land management.

Visitors get the chance to recognize and harvest vegetables using tools and containers provided on-site. This interactive element adds a hands-on aspect to the experience, allowing participants to directly engage with the land and its produce.

The gardens are not only a display of biodiversity but also an active farm experience, where the guide explains the significance of each variety and how organic methods sustain the diversity. The tour emphasizes respect for traditional techniques and local agricultural heritage.

Tasting Fresh, Organic Products in a Scenic Setting

At the end of the walk, participants relax in a shaded area overlooking Ostuni, enjoying a tasting of fresh, typical products directly from the gardens. The tasting includes acquasale (a local vegetable broth), seasonal vegetables, and a hot traditional dish.

This tasting experience is an opportunity to experience local flavors in an authentic setting, with products picked moments before. The small gift — either a 100ml can of EVO oil or a “cioppa” of tomatoes — adds a tangible memory of this rural encounter.

The panoramic viewpoint offers a unique perspective of Ostuni, with the White City visible from above, providing perfect photo opportunities and a sense of connection between the gardens and the historic town.

Practical Details: Meeting Points and Accessibility

The tour begins at the entry to Giardini della Grata on Via Salvatore Tommasi, near a paid parking area. The guide will be waiting to welcome visitors in front of the green gate. The route is easy to follow but involves outdoor walking on uneven surfaces, making it less suitable for those with reduced mobility.

The tour ends back at the starting point, ensuring a straightforward experience without the need for additional transportation. The activity is available in Italian, English, and French, and reserving allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, offering flexibility to travelers.

Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing suitable for variable weather, especially in rural outdoor settings.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Experience from the Guide’s Perspective

The local guide is recognized for being passionate and knowledgeable, sharing not just facts but stories tied to the land and local communities. Their explanations enhance the understanding of the agricultural project that aims to preserve local plant varieties and promote sustainable farming practices.

This personalized approach makes the visit more engaging, especially as the guide explains the significance of ancient irrigation systems and the biodiversity present in the gardens. The guide’s bilingual ability in Italian and English ensures clarity and ease of understanding for international visitors.

Comparing Similar Experiences in Ostuni

This guided tour of the medieval vegetable gardens offers a different focus compared to other Ostuni experiences like olive oil tastings, E-bike tours, or wine tastings. It centers on agricultural heritage and biodiversity, providing a more rural and authentic perspective.

While similar tours may include visits to olive groves or wineries, this experience’s unique selling point is the hidden, historical vegetable gardens beneath the city, combined with a hands-on harvesting and product tasting.

Limitations and Considerations

A key limitation is that the route involves outdoor walking on uneven terrain, which may be unsuitable for people with mobility issues or those who prefer a more relaxed, less physically active tour. Plus, the activity does not include transportation to the starting point, so guests need to plan accordingly.

Some reviews mention organizational issues, such as a tour not happening due to logistical errors, so it’s advisable to confirm bookings and check communication channels before the tour date.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience is best suited for curious travelers who value authentic, local encounters and enjoy learning about traditional farming techniques. It’s ideal for small groups, families, or couples eager to connect with the rural roots of Ostuni.

Nature lovers and foodies will appreciate tasting fresh produce and understanding biodynamic agriculture. Those interested in historical land management and local biodiversity will find this tour both educational and inspiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The guided visit lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Bio Solequo Coop, on Via Salvatore Tommasi, and finishes back at the same point.

Is the tour accessible for mobility-challenged visitors?
The route involves outdoor walking on uneven surfaces, so it may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.

What is included in the experience?
The tour includes a guided visit, recognition and harvesting of vegetables, tools provided, a final tasting of local products, and a small gift.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing suitable for the rural setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby