From Heritage to Olive Groves
Embark on a journey through more than 2,000 years of history in a place where the sea and the olive tree have shaped the identity of the local community. The From Heritage to Olive Groves interpretation tour offers a unique way to experience Fažana, linking the historic heart of this charming seaside town with the Fažanski olivari olive growing interpretation park.
The tour begins in Fažana's historic centre, once an important Roman hub for the production and trade of olive oil. From here, amphorae filled with this precious commodity were shipped across the Roman Empire. Archaeological discoveries confirm that Fažana was one of the Adriatic's leading centres for the production of both amphorae and olive oil, and this remarkable heritage is still reflected in the town's landscape and cultural identity.
The route then leads to a centuries-old olive grove in the very heart of Fažana, where majestic olive trees, some more than 400 years old, stand as living witnesses to the area's unbroken tradition of olive cultivation.
The unique olive growing interpretation park brings together natural and cultural heritage, modern technology, and interactive educational features for visitors of all ages. Here, expert guides will take you on a journey through the history of olive growing from Roman times to the present day, explain the importance of olive oil in everyday life and the local economy, and introduce you to a replica of an ancient Roman olive press, faithfully reconstructed from archaeological finds discovered in Fažana.
Along the way, you will discover indigenous Istrian olive varieties, including Buža, Rosinjola, Karbonaca, Moražola, and Smartela, as well as two recently identified local varieties, Oceana and Vasiana, whose unique genetic profiles have been confirmed through scientific research.
The tour concludes with a tasting of locally produced extra virgin olive oils. Learn how to taste olive oil like a professional, recognise its fruitiness, bitterness, and peppery finish, and discover the distinctive characteristics of oils made from Fažana's native olive varieties. The experience beautifully combines history, nature, gastronomy, and contemporary local life.
The tour is free of charge and takes place every Wednesday throughout July and August
Languages: Croatian, English, Italian and German
Meeting point: In front of the Fažana Tourist Board Office, Titova riva 2
Start: 19:30
