Located in the Greek Island of Crete, the oldest olive tree, believed to be more than 3000 years old, still thrives. The Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves has been declared a ‘natural heritage monument’, due to its ecological and historical importance.
Olive trees are known for their longevity as they are resilient and can withstand drought, disease and even fire. Olive trees require certain temperatures and climates to grow and bear fruit, yet they can survive years of neglect. Most olive trees have a life span of an average of 500 years, still producing olives, yet many have been known to survive for over a thousand years. This is proven by the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, which is estimated to be one of the oldest olive trees and still bears some of the most prized olives.
Situated next to this ancient olive tree is the The Olive Tree Museum of Vouves. With a number of exhibitions,
the museum aims to preserve and promote all the characteristic aspects of the life of the people of this area, as well as those of the people of Crete and Greece in general, that are connected to the olive tree.
Considering this relationship, they focus on soil cultivation, planting, pruning, harvesting of the crop, storage and transfer of the crop to the olive mills, as well as the pressing. The museum strives to encapsulate the ancient way of life in Greece by preserving and exhibiting tools that where used, up until the mid 1950’s, in the olive cultivation process.
Olive oil production has come a long way since then and although the modern techniques have been proven to produce excellent olive oils, The Olive Tree Museum of Vouves is ensuring that a way of life and the history of this lifestyle, the everlasting connection with olive trees, is not forgotten and remains part of their peoples heritage. To the people of Greece, the olive tree is part of their daily routine, their nutrition, their celebrations, and their athletic events, where it symbolizes glory. More generally, the olive tree is known to stand for beauty, peace, friendship and civilization.
Read more at the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves website.
Sources:
http://www.cretetravel.com/activity/olive-tree-museum-of-vouves/
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/photos/the-worlds-10-oldest-living-trees/olive-tree-of-vouves
http://www.olivemuseumvouves.com/default.aspx?lang=en
Image Source: http://www.olivemuseumvouves.com/default.aspx?lang=en
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