The first Istrian museum of olive growing and olive oil opened in Pula earlier today, reports Glas Istre on May 9th 2017. The opening of Museum Olei Histriae – The House of Istrian Olive Oil is the crowning moment coming after seven years of project development by Lorena Boljunčić, owner of the museum.
“My husband and I travel a lot and I have often seen numerous places worldwide presenting their local products using innovative techniques. It got to me that Istria, the region of olive growing, doesn’t have a museum dedicated to one of its most distinguished products.” said Boljunčić.
She set out to create a place that would tell the story of olive oil from multiple angles: one part of the permanent exhibition is dedicated to the history of olive growing from the ancient Roman times to this day, while another explains the process of olive growing and manufacturing the oil widely known as liquid gold. A very attractive activity is included in every visit; after a guided tour of the place, visitors sit down for a delicious round of olive oil tasting. If you’re left yearning for more, you can always upgrade to the so-called Gold Experience that includes tasting of five additional premium olive oils from Istria. Museum also includes a shop offering a wide range of top quality Istrian olive oils and souvernir items made from olive wood.
Head of the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Tourism Ivo Bašić stated Istria is a tourism leader and that a lot of inventive ideas originate from this region. Prefect of the Istria County Valter Flego underlined the fact that three important domains are united in this project: manufacture, commerce, and tourism. He added the museum is set for success due to Istria winning the title of world’s best olive oil region the second year in a row.
As the tourist season approches, there’s no doubt the House of Istrian Olive Oil will become one of the main attractions in Pula.
Image source: Museum Olei Histriae Facebook
