World's Oldest Living Ancient Olive Tree 

In the heart of Crete, where the Mediterranean sun bathes the land in a golden glow, stands a sentinel of history, the ancient olive tree of Vouves. Its roots delve deep into the soil of Ano Vouves, a village where time seems to have paused to admire the tree’s grandeur.

For over two millennia, this olive tree has been a silent witness to the ebb and flow of civilizations. Its gnarled trunk, measuring a majestic 12.5 meters in circumference, twists skyward, a testament to its resilience. The tree’s branches, now heavy with silvery leaves, have shaded generations of villagers who have gathered beneath its boughs, seeking respite from the summer heat.

Picure :  Founders of the brand Aleta Organics at the site of the Ancient Olive Tree in 2024

The Olive Tree of Vouves is not just any tree; it is a living piece of history. Its age is a matter of some debate among scientists, with estimates ranging from 3,000 to over 5,000 years old. What is certain is that this tree has been producing olives since the time of the Minoans, making it one of the oldest living olive trees in the world that still bears fruit.

Legend has it that the tree was planted by a deity’s hand, a gift to the people of Crete. It has survived through the rise and fall of empires, the comings and goings of kings and commoners alike. The tree has provided olives for countless meals, its oil used to anoint the heads of the wise and the brave. It has been a symbol of peace and prosperity, its branches even used to crown the victors of the Athens 2004 Olympics, linking the past to the present.

    Olive Tree Museum of Vouves, Crete

The Olive Tree Museum of Vouves, located nearby, tells the story of this remarkable tree and the culture that has grown around olive cultivation on the island. Visitors from around the world come to marvel at its size and learn about the traditional methods of olive farming that have been passed down through generations.

As the sun sets, casting long shadows across the village, the ancient olive tree of Vouves continues to stand tall. Its olives are a reminder of the enduring connection between the land and its people. And as night falls, the tree whispers tales of the past to those who are willing to listen, its leaves rustling with the secrets of a thousand years.