Mediterranean olive groves

Olives are inseparably connected to Greece’s past and the olive tree is undoubtedly the most loved and highly respected tree in Greece. It was touched by the Greek gods, it was honoured by heroes, and honoured them in turn, it inspired poets, adorned the ancient Olympians, was blessed by God's Son, nourished the hungry, gave rest to the tired, supported, and still supports, Greek families from antiquity to the present day.

The olive tree was a gift from the Greek God Athena to Cecrops I’s city, and it won the love of the citizens, who anointed Athina, the goddess of wisdom, as the protector of Athens and the olive tree became a symbol of its prosperity. Olive oil was used to sooth the aching bodies of warriors, athletes and heroes, was burned in the sacred lamps in every Ancient Temple and kept the Olympic flame alight.

The leaves of the olive tree were used to decorate champions in the ancient Olympics and to honour those who won peace and war. For Greeks, the olive tree has always signified humanity’s greatest characteristics: Peace, Democracy, Dignity and Culture.

Perhaps Greeks have such a great love for this blessed tree because their ancestors have always seen similarities between Greek DNA and the olive tree. Like Greece, the olive tree thrives in rocky areas, blooms and produces fruit in adverse conditions and its beauty is to be found in its simplicity... Even Jesus found a hospitable corner in a garden full of olive trees when he was at his loneliest. When everyone abandoned him, only the olive trees offered him sympathy before the crucifixion, and he let his tears fall onto their roots.