Historical Roots of Olive Growing in Fažana

Where tradition, nature, and the story of olive oil come to life

The story of olive oil in Fažana dates back more than two thousand years, to the time of the Roman Empire. Istria’s mild Mediterranean climate, rocky terrain, and generous sunlight made it an ideal landscape for olive cultivation—a fact well recognized by the Romans, who established extensive groves and constructed oil presses along the coast. Amphorae produced in Fažana were used to export Istrian olive oil throughout the empire, from Aquileia to distant shores of the Mediterranean.

Over the centuries, each era left its mark on cultivation techniques, but the essence of this ancient craft remained unchanged. Local families passed down their knowledge from generation to generation, nurturing groves of indigenous varieties such as buža, rosinjola, and karbonaca.

Today, the Park offers visitors a journey through the living history of olive growing—where centuries-old traditions continue to thrive under the Istrian sun.