A unique and spectacular landscape awaits us in the Maestrat. The ancient olive trees fascinate us with their eternal beauty and their liquid gold.
The olive tree is an emblematic tree of the Mediterranean and the quintessential symbol of eternity.
It holds a privileged place in both Roman and Greek mythology, among others, where it was declared ‘the most useful of all trees’. Its uniqueness is appreciated in sacred texts as relevant as the Bible or the Quran.
Present in its wild form for over 14,000 years, olive cultivation only began a little over 6,000 years ago. In the Iberian Peninsula, they were introduced by Phoenician navigators, and their expansion and cultivation were continued by Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, and Muslims.
Throughout the Mediterranean basin, we find isolated specimens of spectacular longevity, whether in Crete, Turkey, Tunisia, Malta, Sardinia… Are they the oldest olive trees in the world?
It is certainly difficult to calculate the age of an olive tree.
What we can affirm without a doubt is that they are authentic living monuments, wooden cathedrals, legacies of a culture and of extraordinary value.
In the Maestrat, we hold a curious world record: hosting the largest number of ancient olive tree specimens in the Sénia territory, often combined with spectacular dry-stone architectures.
An extraordinary landscape.
Its fruit has had countless uses throughout history, hence the survival of its cultivation for so many generations and despite so many vicissitudes that occur over the millennia.
Olive oil has been present in our lives for thousands of years. It is the basis of the world-renowned Mediterranean diet. A product of high culinary value that has become a lifestyle, something cultural.
Ancient olive trees, due to their age, are much less productive, but in return, they produce highly prized gourmet extra virgin oils among the most discerning palates.
The ancient olive tree variety par excellence in the Maestrat is Farga, the longest-lived and most resistant. Their twisted trunks can reach over 10 meters in perimeter in exceptional cases.
They are authentic miracles of life, elixirs of eternity.
Therefore, an unbeatable way to enjoy spring in Castellón is to experience these impressive landscapes and explore the ancient olive tree culture, the essence of the Mediterranean.
