The Olive Tree of Azorias

The ancient tree that crowned an Olympic champion

Experts estimate the tree was planted sometime between 1350 and 1100 BC.

The Olive Tree of Azorias, located near Kavousi in Ierapetra, is one of the oldest olive trees in the world.
Locally known as "mouratolía", it has been declared a monumental olive tree by the Association of Cretan Olive Municipalities (SEDIK),
both for the massive size of its trunk and its location near the ancient settlements of Vrontas, Kastro, and Azorias,
where vessels and tools used for olive oil extraction have been discovered.

Its trunk has a maximum diameter of 4.9 metres and a circumference of 14.20 metres.
Experts estimate the tree was planted sometime between 1350 and 1100 BC.

In 2004, the gold medalist of the Women’s Marathon at the Athens Olympics was crowned with an olive wreath from this very tree.

Photo: incrediblecrete.gr