Nearly 200 olive tree plants are being grown on the site of a former grand palace in Rome.
The Palatine Hill is increasing its production, including honey and olive oil. They also begin to harvest crops from the ancient site.
On the 188-acre property overlooking the Colosseum, 189 olive trees were planted in the original planting. The crops are now being made into olive oil.
Although the oil is not available for purchase, you can still taste it during educational workshops.
Parco archeologico del Colosseo, the team behind the project is harvesting olives on the Palatine hill from 189 trees in order to turn them into olive oils.
After the site team kept finding fruit on the floor, it was decided to make the olives on the site oil.
Parco archeologico Del Colosseo, the team behind this project, is also responsible for the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
Alfonsina Russo is the site director. She told The Times, “When I started three year ago, the olives had fallen in the autumn and were making a mess.” I thought, why not make oil?
She also stated that approximately 500 extra virgin olive oils will be produced from this year’s harvest. The product will be called Palatinum.
The original location was a palace for the Emperor. However, the area is surrounded by vast green spaces where olive trees can be found.
The oil (pictured) is not available for purchase but can be tasted in educational workshops.
Alfonsina Russo is the site director. She said that the extra-virgin olive oil will be’strong and slightly spicy’
Russo stated that it was possible that olive trees were present on the site during Roman Empire’s height.
It’s not just olive oil that is being produced here. Honey production is also on the rise due to two beehives. These beehives house some 60,000 bees and were installed in an inaccessible area on the Palatine’s southern side.
Barberini Vineyard, which was originally planted grape vines in 16th century, has also seen grape vines planted. The first harvest is expected in 2023.
Pantastica is the name given to the grape picked by the team. Local media report that the location is ideal for growing it.