In a remarkable initiative under the auspices of the «Network of Centenarian Trees of the Greek Revolution,» three monumental trees have been officially recognized, including an ancient olive tree of the Athinolia variety. This olive tree, located next to the Byzantine church of Agia Sophia in the Upper Town of Monemvasia, stands as a testament to the region’s rich history.
This project, spearheaded by the Messinia Cultural Institute, coincides with the national anniversary of the Greek Revolution. It highlights the significance of ancient trees, whose historical documentation is the result of extensive research by local scholar Panagiotis Lalousis.
The Municipality of Monemvasia, in collaboration with the Messinia Cultural Institute, invites the public to the marking ceremony of the centenarian olive tree on Wednesday, September 17, 2023, at 10:30 AM, following the divine liturgy at Agia Sophia in the Upper Town of Monemvasia.
The olive tree’s long-standing presence is evidenced by its impressive trunk circumference of 4.40 meters at a height of 1 meter and a diameter of 1.70 meters. Its canopy spans over 11.50 meters in width and reaches a height of 6.60 meters. Historical records indicate that a previous cross-section of the main trunk at 1.50 meters resulted in peripheral hollowing, yet this did not hinder the tree’s growth. The olive tree has thrived even after its genetic modification from wild olive to the Athinolia variety, now branching into four large limbs. It grows in arid soil at an elevation of 124 meters.
The base circumference of the trunk measures 7.50 meters, with a diameter of 2.20 meters, and part of its root system extends across the soil surface. The estimated dating of the olive tree aligns with the establishment of the Byzantine church of Agia Sophia, further enriching its historical significance.
This initiative not only celebrates the natural heritage of Greece but also emphasizes the cultural and historical narratives intertwined with these ancient trees, inviting the community to engage with their past and appreciate the enduring legacy of the Greek Revolution.
