Description of the attraction
The olive tree that grows in the Montenegrin Bar is today considered the oldest tree in Europe, some sources call it the oldest in the whole world. This ancient olive is one of the locally popular "horror" olives, which are also widely distributed throughout the Adriatic coast.
The old olive has long crossed the age of 2000 years, its crown reaches 10 meters in diameter, and the trunk resembles a branching hollow dome. Today, the olive tree actually no longer bears fruit - for it, this function is performed by young trees that have grown around.
The olive officially became a tourist attraction in Montenegro in 1957, when the municipality of Bar officially took over the duties of protection, and a memorial complex was built around the tree. Previously, rumors say that locals often used the hollow tree trunk as a venue for card games.
Old Bar is widely known for its olive oil, which has been produced here since 1927 in a factory opened by the Marenich brothers. The plant processed more than 20 tons of fresh olives daily. Finished olive oil has been exported to many European countries such as France, Germany and the USA.
Since 2007, a museum has been operating in the Old Bar, which is entirely devoted to the history and technology of olive oil production. This type of fishing is the main and oldest in most regions of Montenegro. Museum visitors are invited to get acquainted not only with the history of the production of natural oil, but also appreciate the works of artists related to olive trees and olives.
Tourists to this oldest living tree are attracted by the legend widespread in Montenegro that the olive is able to reconcile quarreled people if they come to a tree together.
Among other things, the memorial complex, led by an ancient olive tree, is the traditional venue for the annual festival dedicated to literature and children's creativity. The olive is also a symbol of inspiration for many artists.
On the territory of the complex, where the ancient olive grows, tourists can always buy various souvenirs with the image of an olive, local olive oil and much more.
