Museo dell’Olivo Carlo Carli
Museum | Imperia | Liguria | Italy
The "Museo dell'Olivo Carlo Carli" in Imperia is an important cultural institution dedicated to the history and significance of the olive tree and olive oil. It is located in an elegant Art Nouveau villa designed by architect Rodolfo Winter for the Carli family in 1931. The villa survived the destruction of World War II unscathed and now houses the museum.
The museum's collection spans over 6,000 years of history and is divided into 18 thematic rooms. The exhibits include:
Archaeological findings: A 12 million-year-old fossilized olive tree trunk that provides a unique insight into prehistoric flora.
Ancient artifacts: Mycenaean amphorae documenting the transport of olive oil in the ancient Mediterranean.
Agricultural tools: Historical devices illustrating the evolution of olive oil production over the centuries.
Cosmetic and religious objects: Ancient lamps and vessels showcasing the versatile use of olive oil in different cultures and epochs.
Artworks: Depictions of the olive tree and olive oil in art history.
A special highlight is the reconstructed loading ramp of an ancient Roman ship filled with amphorae carrying olive oil. This installation illustrates the trade and dissemination of olive oil in the ancient Mediterranean region.
The museum places great emphasis on education, offering interactive exhibitions and audiovisual materials that convey the history and significance of the olive tree and olive oil for Mediterranean culture and economy. It is a valuable center for the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of the Liguria region and the entire Mediterranean area.
