Nestled in the heart of Sparta, the Museum of Olive and Greek Oil invites visitors on a captivating journey through the culture, history, and technology of olives and olive oil in Greece, from prehistoric times to the early 20th century.
A Living History of the Olive Tree
The museum showcases some of the earliest evidence of olive cultivation and oil production in Greece. Among the highlights are:
Rare fossilized olive leaves, 50,000–60,000 years old, from Santorini, the oldest known proof of the olive tree’s presence in Greece.
Exact copies of Linear B tablets from the 14th century BC, offering the first written records mentioning olives and olive oil.
Olives Through the Ages
As you explore the museum, you’ll discover how olives and olive oil have shaped Greek life through the centuries, not only as essential elements of nutrition and body care, but also in forgotten uses such as lighting.
Exhibits reveal the symbolic role of the olive tree in Greek mythology, religion, and traditions, while works of ancient and modern art highlight its enduring inspiration for Greek artists.
The Evolution of Olive Oil Production
On the lower level, visitors can trace the fascinating technological development of olive oil production — from ancient stone presses to early industrial machinery. Among the exhibits are:
- Authentic reproductions of prehistoric, Hellenistic, and Byzantine olive mills
- An impressive wooden double press with a winch from nearby Xirokambi
- An olive mill from Lefkada, illustrating the persistence of animal-powered technology into the 20th century
- Detailed models showing how motorized olive mills operated
The Art of Soap Making
Another section of the museum is dedicated to the craft of soap production, both domestic and industrial. Visitors can see everything from the large harani cauldrons once used by housewives to make soap at home, to the massive industrial boilers of early factories.
Fun and Learning for Young Visitors
The museum is also a hit with children and school groups. Young visitors can explore three old-style mills — prehistoric, Hellenistic, and Byzantine.
Educational programs and interactive activities bring history to life, such as the popular “A Day at the Hellenistic Olive Mill”, where students can experience traditional oil extraction, the ancient way.
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The Greek Heaven Team
source:realsparta.gr