In the foothills near the coastal town of Bar, Montenegro, an ancient olive tree believed to be more than two millennia old is showing renewed signs of life after years of restorative efforts. The tree, located in the small community of Mirovica, was successfully harvested in October for the first time in four years, signaling a hopeful future for one of the country's oldest living olives.
The local government established the House of Olives, a public company responsible for the tree’s care, following a rapid decline in the tree’s health in 2022. Marija Markoc, executive director of the House of Olives, said the tree is deeply connected to the community, which identifies with its resilience and historical significance. “They identify with how much it has managed to overcome, and with the fact that it is once again bearing fruit and surviving,” she commented.
According to local tradition, the olive tree was introduced to the region by ancient Greeks, and scientific analyses have supported its remarkable age. Laboratory tests conducted in 2015 estimated the tree to be about 2,250 years old, a figure that would place it among the oldest olive trees worldwide. However, experts caution that determining the precise age of olive trees is challenging. Other studies, such as one conducted in Lebanon in 2024, have found ancient olive trees ranging mostly between 500 and 600 years, with some exceptions reaching over 1,000 years.
The olive tree of Mirovica carries cultural importance beyond its biological age. The settlement’s name, derived from the Montenegrin word for peace, reflects the tree’s historical role as a gathering place that helped end blood feuds among warring local clans. Markoc noted that the tree has “seen a great deal,” including numerous reconciliations, and remains a symbol of harmony for the people of the region.
Years of urban development had negatively impacted the tree, with excessive groundwater identified as a primary threat to its survival. Efforts to improve drainage around the site have been critical in restoring the tree’s health. Following these improvements, the tree not only survived but also yielded a harvest of olives that produced oil last year.
The revitalized tree has become a local attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. In 2023 alone, about 40,000 tourists, including passengers from cruise ships docking nearby, came to see the historic tree. These efforts have not only preserved a unique natural and cultural landmark but also helped revitalize the surrounding area.
Markoc described the ongoing care of the tree as both an honor and a significant responsibility. “We have managed to revive this area and give this tree a long-lasting life,” she said. “It is wonderful to work with it and to take care of it, but believe me, it is also an enormous, enormous responsibility.”