In the northern part of Roseto degli Abruzzi, in the picturesque hamlet of Cologna Spiaggia, stands a majestic olive tree, guardian of over five centuries of history. Hidden at the foot of the hills that gently overlook the sea, this extraordinary tree has the power to captivate anyone who encounters it. Its secrets are lost in the nebulousness of time, and some scholars dare to trace its origins back to the distant year 1200, in a past that dates back eight centuries. There is no specific research to confirm these hypotheses, but its charm remains unchanged. It has been bestowed with the title of “monumental tree” thanks to its mighty trunk that exceeds five meters in diameter. Laws rigorously and passionately protect it. This magnificent specimen of an olive tree has experienced its peak splendor with breathtaking characteristics: a height of seven meters, a canopy that extends for eleven meters, and a trunk with a diameter of 5.41 meters.

During World War II, brave young people hid inside its twisted trunk to escape the persecution of German soldiers. This giant olive tree, almost as large as an oak tree, is now open for visits along the SS 16 “Adriatica” road, near an IP service station. If you’re coming from the north (Giulianova), you won’t miss the sign indicating it, located on your right. In Abruzzo, the production of high-quality extra virgin olive oil is an authentic reality that has experienced remarkable growth in the last thirty years. In the surrounding municipalities of Roseto degli Abruzzi, numerous olive presses welcome visitors, offering the opportunity to taste and purchase their produced oil, ranging from the classic extra virgin to the precious tortiglione oil. Let yourself be conquered by the unique flavors of this generous land.

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