Is it the air, the sea, the land, or perhaps its unique geographical position? What is the secret that makes Sardinia home to centuries-old people, millennia-old trees, and primordial mountains, making it one of the longest-lived places on Earth?
A worthy witness to ask these curious questions would be the Olive Tree of Valeri, which, with its more than 3,000 years of life, could share its ancient story — and who knows how many more!
Of course, our evergreen friend cannot speak, at least not with words; instead, it communicates simply by letting itself be seen. By observing it with a gaze eager to understand, you can glimpse its history: an imposing trunk over 11 meters in circumference, shaped by countless centuries, and a crown of leaves — a living symbol of resilience — that still proudly bears olives to this day.
Even in a simple photograph, its beauty and endearing mushroom-like shape stand out, but it’s only when you find yourself just a few meters away that you truly feel its mystical majesty.
If you happen to be near Sarule, it’s almost a duty to stop by Valeri and pay your respects to one of the oldest and most fascinating trees in all of Europe.
