Olives are a true treasure of the Mediterranean, and Garda Trentino is the northernmost region in the world where extra virgin olive oil is produced. But how does the magic happen? Where do olives transform into the liquid gold we hold so dear?
All these questions are answered along the Olive Trail, a themed and interactive experience opened to the public on 2 November 2024. This trail guides visitors through the olive groves of Arco, the heart of olive oil production in Trentino. Along the route, 14 installations invite visitors to get to know this extraordinary plant, offering a fresh perspective on the land where its roots run deep.
Each stop is dedicated to a different topic, uncovering the many aspects of olive oil production: from its history and climate to the different varieties and harvesting methods, even revealing the secrets coveted inside each bottle of oil. Step by step, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of olive growers, who pour their heart and soul into caring for their groves and producing Garda Trentino’s premium extra virgin olive oil.
The Stops in Detail:
Stop 1: The History of the Olive in Garda Trentino. The journey begins in the 1st century BC, when the Romans introduced this precious plant to Garda Trentino. Over the centuries, olives became intertwined with the local landscape. By 1106, they were officially documented, and by 1569, the first oil presses reflected the economic impact of olive cultivation. In 1881, agronomist Carlo Hugues revolutionised the industry by encouraging early harvesting, fresh fruit processing, and cold pressing, significantly elevating production quality. This pursuit of excellence culminated in 1997, when Garda olive oil earned the prestigious D.O.P. designation, cementing its unique identity and deep connection to the region.
Stop 2: Exploring Arco. Wander among charming narrow streets, stately palaces, and medieval churches that tell the ancient tale of Arco. In 1873, Archduke Albert of Austria transformed Arco into a refined Habsburg spa town, attracting aristocrats and intellectuals, including Empress Sisi and poet Rainer Maria Rilke. With its mild climate, picturesque promenades, and elegant cafés, Arco remains a gem steeped in history and noble charm for culture vultures.
Stop 3: Geology and Soil. The composition of the soil plays a vital role in plant growth. Olive trees have a remarkable ability to adapt to different soil types, thriving in Upper Garda’s well-drained sandy soils, which encourage deep, vigorous roots. In nutrient-rich clay soils, which retain more water, olive trees develop shallower roots. Meanwhile, on Mount Baone’s rocky terrain, olive trees anchor themselves determinedly in the ground, boasting an ability to thrive even in the most hostile conditions.
Stop 4: Olive Varieties. In Garda Trentino, the native Casaliva variety produces a distinctive oil that encapsulates the essence of the region. Almost all cultivated trees belong to this cultivar, while smaller quantities of Favarol, Leccino, and Frantoio varieties are used less often. Garda Trentino oils are predominantly made from Casaliva, sometimes blended with small amounts of other varieties.
Stop 5: Historical Olive Groves. This stop celebrates the oldest olive groves, stretching across the foothills at altitudes of 100–350 metres above sea level. Arco is home to the largest grove, with over 40,000 olive trees. Visitors can also admire terraced landscapes and dry-stone walls, ingeniously constructed by farmers to cultivate olives in challenging terrain.
Stop 6: Climate and Geography. The olive tree, a quintessential symbol of the Mediterranean, finds its northernmost home in Garda Trentino. This is made possible by Lake Garda and its winds (the Pelèr and Òra), which create a unique micro-climate, transforming the area into an exceptional Mediterranean haven.
Stop 7: Cultivation. Learn about the six stages of the olive tree’s vegetative cycle and the secrets of olive growers: how they maintain soil fertility, maximise sun exposure, and protect fruit from pests to ensure a thriving harvest.
Stop 8: Harvesting. Discover the secrets of olive harvesting, a process steeped in tradition and love for the local land, typically carried out between October and November. Farmers spread nets beneath the trees, then use tools like clamps or combs to gently stroke or shake the branches, causing the olives to fall into crates below. But there’s more to discover! Visitors can also explore the differences between modern harvesting techniques and the traditional gòver method. In the past, farmers climbed ladders called scalìn, gently stroking the branches with their hands to make the olives drop into a wooden basket (called a grumbial) tied around their waist. After the main harvest, women would gather the fallen olives from the ground to create molche.
Stop 9: What’s in a Bottle of Oil? This stop sheds a light on the entire production process of Garda Trentino extra virgin olive oil, a premium product crafted with meticulous attention at every stage: from the olive grove to the mill and finally to the marketplace. In this region, traditional cultivation and harvesting methods, which prioritise manual labour and respect for nature, are combined with modern innovations and cutting-edge technologies.
Stop 10: At the Heart of the Oil Mills. A look back at the evolution of Garda Trentino’s oil mills, from traditional stone presses to cutting-edge technologies designed to preserve the olives’ precious characteristics and enhance oil quality.
Stop 11: Beyond Oil Pause at this stop to learn how modern technology has turned what was once considered waste into valuable resources. Take molche, for example—a rustic paste with a bitter flavour made from the pulp and skin left after olive pressing. Traditionally used as a spread for bread, it has recently been turned into a unique ingredient for innovative dishes.
Stop 12: Packaging. Bottling is a crucial step in the oil’s journey from grove to table. The right packaging not only preserves the oil’s sensory and nutritional qualities but also provides essential information for consumers to fully appreciate and properly store this green gold from Garda Trentino.
Stop 13: Cultivation Areas. Olive trees are a defining feature of the Upper Garda landscape, from the Sarca Valley to the Valle dei Laghi. Here, specialised olive groves cover approximately 400 hectares, with an additional 100 hectares dedicated to mixed or domestic cultivation.
Stop 14: Landscape, Art, and Literature. This final stop is steeped in history and beauty, inviting visitors to relive the experiences of renowned travellers who celebrated the marvels of Garda Trentino. Lake Garda, often the first glimpse of the Mediterranean for those crossing the Alps, has captivated Central European visitors for centuries, leaving an indelible mark on art and literature. Here, olive trees define the landscape, embodying the spirit of the region, as immortalised in the works of Albrecht Dürer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Rainer Maria Rilke. Dürer portrayed Arco, embraced by vineyards and olive groves at the foot of its fortress; Goethe marvelled at the lake’s splendour upon arriving in Torbole; and Rilke, inspired by this “land unafraid of winter”, transformed the scenery of the Olive Trail into timeless poetry.
