Bartolomeo Ravenna was born in Gallipoli on September 20, 1761, to a noble family of olive oil and lampante oil merchants. In his hometown he pursued studies directed toward historical disciplines. After the death of his father Stephen in 1778, Bartolomeo continued his work by running the family business. At the age of 33, he married the noblewoman Maria Teresa Verdesca in 1794.
Thanks to his and his wife’s wealth, he began to acquire farms, countryside and palaces. His wealthy life allowed him to devote himself to the study of what fascinated him. No children were born from his marriage to Maria Teresa, which led Ravenna to missionary activity and established funds for the needy. He donated his personal library to the citizens. He financed the conservatory of St. Louis and the monastery “Delle Camelitane scalze”. On August 31, 1837, he died at the age of 76 and was buried in Gallipoli in the Co-Cathedral Basilica of St. Agatha.
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