The MOO Museo dell’Olivo e dell’Olio is located in rooms that were the site of an ancient oil mill. The MOO Museo dell’Olivo e dell’Olio describes the history and techniques of cultivation and extraction and, through the mythological origin of the plant, introduces the use of oil as a source of light, in religion, medicine and nutrition, in sport, in cosmetics and as a significant element of a cultural imaginary that has attributed symbolic, propitiatory and magical-therapeutic values to the plant and its product.
Among the materials on display is an alàbastron, an ampoule designed to contain perfumed oils, a red-figure penthouse by the Foundry Painter, 5th century BC. Ample space is dedicated to the collection of oil lamps, from the pre-Roman age to the 20th century. A section deals with the olive and oil in symbolism, figurative arts and crafts; the showcase of Customs and Traditions recalls ancient popular beliefs and superstitions.
