Discovering Montsià: Journey Through Europe's Ancient Olive Forests

The Ancient Olive Forest of Montsià: Europe's Oldest Olive Trees

Imagine touching a tree that was planted long before Catalonia even existed. A tree that has witnessed Romans, Templars, kings, and revolutions. This tree exists, and there are hundreds of them. They are located in Montsià and are part of one of the most magnificent and ancient olive forests in Europe, yet nearly no one knows about them.

Ulldecona: The Catalan Capital of Eternal Olives

Among dry stone margins, ancient terraces, and red earth paths, rises one of the most powerful landscapes in southern Europe. These olive trees are not just trees; they are living monuments. Some are over 1,700 years old and a trunk that can only be embraced by five people. These roots, planted during the Roman Empire, are still one of the most spectacular green lungs of the Mediterranean today.

The Farga del Arión: The Oldest Producing Olive Tree in the World

Within this remarkable ensemble, the Farga del Arión stands out. With more than 1,700 years of life, it is recognized as the oldest certified producing olive tree in the world. Yes, it still bears olives, and from these olives comes an exclusive, limited-edition oil that concentrates centuries of history and territory in every drop.

Experience a Free Open-Air Natural Museum

This forest is part of the project of the Taula del Sénia Community and is open for visitation. It features a free-access route, where you can stroll among these giant plants, breathe peace, and touch history. Guided tours, olive oil tastings, workshops, and cultural experiences also take place here, making it an ideal proposal for families, schools, or slow tourism.

Why is No One Talking About It? An Underrepresented Gem

It’s because we haven’t believed it ourselves. It’s still not on major tourism promotion circuits. However, this is changing. Ulldecona and the Terres de l’Ebre are starting to value this heritage with activities, signage, and collaborations with local producers. Now it’s your turn to discover it and spread the word.

A Forest That Could Disappear If Not Cherished

These millennial olive trees have a clear enemy: silence. If we do not visit them, share them, and protect them, they may end up forgotten. Climate change, rural abandonment, and lack of investment threaten them. Now is the time to act. Because if they disappear, they will never return.

Go There. Tell It. Fall in Love.

This weekend, you have an appointment with history. Get in your car, head to Ulldecona, and walk among millennial olives. Share it. Talk about it. Make this forest as known as it deserves to be because the largest and oldest olive forest in Europe is in Tarragona; it belongs to us... and the world still doesn’t know it.

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