Ancient olive tree of Genna

The Monumental Olive Tree of Genna

In the village of Genna, nestled in the Amari region, stands a monumental olive tree, a testament to the area’s rich agricultural heritage. This exceptional tree, declared a natural monument by the Association of Cretan Olive Municipalities (SEDIK), is distinguished by its unique shape and the aesthetic relief of its trunk.

The olive tree, located at Kardamiana in Genna, is a Throumbolia variety grafted onto a wild olive rootstock. Its trunk, while initially appearing as four separate trees, is actually a single tree with a large central base from which four distinct main branches emerge. This unique formation contributes to the tree’s aesthetic and historical value, symbolizing the resilience and interconnectedness of the Genna community throughout the centuries.

Key Points

• Trunk and Tree Characteristics: The trunk has a maximum diameter of 3.90 meters at its base and a circumference of 16.70 meters. At a height of 0.8 meters, the diameter is 3.60 meters and the circumference is 10.10 meters.
• Estimated Age: Over 2,000 years old.
• Location: Kardamiana, Genna, Amari municipality, Rethymno regional unit.
• Current Status: Protected natural monument, accessible by dirt road from Genna with an informational sign on site.