The Museum of the Olive & Greek Olive Oil
“The Blessed Fruit of the Olive Tree”

 

 

Beneath the might mountain of Taygetus, on the outskirts of Sparta, home of the legendary Leonidas, lies the The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil. A project of the Pireaus Bank Group Cultural Foundation, the Museum highlights the “ineffable relation of the olive with the identity of Greece” from antiquity to modernity.

 

The Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation has created in Greece nine of the finest modern museums in the country, from Mastica in Chios, to Silk in Soufli, the Foundation gifts countless visitors across the country the opportunity to learn more about unique cultural and industrial aspects of Greece and its people. One such fine example in their museum network is the Museum of the Olive & Greek Olive Oil, located in the Laconian prefecture in the Peloponnese, which also happens to be the one of the leading olive oil production regions of the country.

It is, from the outside, unassuming. Visitors may actually pass by the stone façade building, which was once the Sparta Power Company. Upon entering though, guests will be engaged, entertained and educated on all things olive oil. The architecture, exhibits and landscape (there’s an olive grove behind the building!) are exquisite. The structure is bright, natural in feel and completely conducive to the story and great history it houses. Hanging amphorae, selections of various olive leaves, art inspired by the boundless olive, and even animated models that “children” of all ages can play with will keep you entranced for hours!

It is said that the city of Athens named Athina their patron goddess after she gifted them the olive tree – because it provided shelter, food, warmth, and inspiration. The Museum displays how Greeks have used olive oil in all these forms throughout its long history. Visitors will see how olive oil has been collected, pressed and used over the last several millennia as food, energy, medicine and event art.

Olive Oil is synonymous with Greece – and, without doubt, upon leaving this amazing museum visitors will truly understand just why that is!

To learn about the Olive and Olive Oil Museum and other museums within the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation, visit:
http://www.piop.gr/en/diktuo-mouseiwn.aspx