We are in Gallura in the municipality of Luras, province of Olbia-Tempio, on the hills by the artificial lake of Liscia, in Santu Baltolu di Carana where age-old olive trees have quite literally lived for thousands of years. Genuine living cathedrals, their complex and imposing structures are admirable yet discreet. A few numbers: the biggest of the two trees is 14 m high, has a circumference of around 12 m (at a height of 1.3 m) and a base diameter of 4.5 m, and its foliage covers a surface area of around 600 m2. Their ages, determined using scientific criteria by the University of Sassari, are legendary: around 2500 and 4000 years respectively. Such are biblical times that evoke innumerable thoughts and throw all our temporal references out of kilter. The oldest, “s’Ozzastru”, is in Santu Baltòlu di Karana, close to San Bartolomeo country church. This imposing olive tree has a circumference of around 12 metres and is 8 metres tall, and it is thought to be between 3000 and 4000 years old, making it the oldest tree in Italy and one of the oldest in Europe. In 1991, it was given National Monument status by ministerial decree. From here it is also possible to admire Lake Liscia and the beauty of the Gallura country.
Directions: From Sa Mariola, follow the road in the direction of Olbia. After around 5 km you get to a crossroads indicating “Diga del Liscia” on the left. Follow this road until you see the sign “San Bartolomeo – Olivastri Millenari”.
