Near the small town of Ulldecona, is a unique piece of natural heritage: a 1,700-year old tree which might be the oldest, scientifically dated, olive tree anywhere in the world.
Researchers at the Technical University of Madrid used advanced laser-based techniques to conclusively date the Farga de l’Arión, as this monumental tree is called, to the early fourth century.
This was during the reign of Roman emperor Constantine the Great, who ruled over Britain, Gaul and Spain. Most of the ancient trees here are of the Farga variety, a heirloom olive that is endemic to the area.
"It is difficult to find a Farga olive tree that is younger than 200 years old," e
