Description: It was not quite 9:00 am when we arrived at the Oil Museum in Cisano, near Bardolino. Such a clear morning--the gray-green leaves of the nearby olive trees nearly disappeared against the pale morning sky. Olive Oil has been produced in this beautiful area of Lake Gard for over a thousand years, and the museum uses a series of exhibits to display the various methods used to extract the oil from the precious fruit. From the simple techniques handed down from generation to generation, through the history and evolution of current oil production technology.
There is an old wooden lever-press used by the ancient Egyptians; the heavy grindstones which were frequently turned by farm animals to crush the olives, and the huge screw-presses which represent even later development. Several unique displays further increase your understanding of the oil making process: Rare antique tools and harvesting devices, a collection of cruets and oil lamps, and antique maps showing the areas cultivated around Lake Garda during the early 1900’s.
The height of the Self-Guided tour is a reconstruction of a nineteenth century oil-mill that is still in working order. The classic water wheel turns the grindstone and processes the oil through a series of wooden cog-wheels. A video display (in English, Italian and German) also demonstrates current-day oil producing methods.
We bought one of our "best buy" souvenirs in the well stocked gift shop. A one-liter tin of extra virgin olive oil (first-press) for just $10 US. A fantastic bargain and well worth the space in our suitcase since it would cost about $35 at home.
PS--Before you leave, spare a thought, for those generations of hard working people who spent their lives in backbreaking and repetitive work on the old oil-presses!
The museum is located on the Lake side of Lake Garda’s Main Road, S-249
Admission is free.
There is a well-stocked book and gift shop and you can taste the various oils before you buy.
See the website at www.museum.it
Hours:
Weekdays 9.00-12.30 / 15.00- 19.00
Sundays 9.00 –12.30
Closed on Wednesday afternoons
Closed all day on Sundays in January and February and most important holidays
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