Athens, Where the Olive Tree is More than a Tree

Abstract

Olive oil is a fundamental ingredient in the Mediterranean kitchen and represents a symbol in the gastronomic tradition of many coastal countries of the Mediterranean sea. Originally from Asia Minor, olive tree spread throughout the Mediterranean area brought by the Phoenixes, perfectly adapting to the warm and dry climate typical of these countries. Greek mythology attributes the origin of olive tree to the Goddess Athena, who donate it to Athenians; the present became the symbol of the city and nowadays tradition celebrates the olive tree that is part of the urban landscape. A significant example of the connection between Athens and the olive tree is the Cultural Center Stavros Niarchos, planned by Renzo Piano. By this inclined garden, measuring 170.000 squared meters and located in Kallithea, the cultural tradition of Athens is celebrated among the numerous olive trees and plants endemic of the Mediterranean area, thus representing an amazing combination between nature, art and sustainability.