The Museum of Industrial Olive-Oil Production of Lesvos

The Museum of Industrial Olive-Oil Production of Lesvos, also known as the “Communal Machine”, set up in the old communal olive press of Aghia Paraskevi was donated in 2004 by then Municipal of Aghia Paraskevi for the specific purpose of becoming a museum, an innovative initiative of the local authorities in the first years of the 21^st century. It was created by the Cultural Foundation of the Piraeus Bank Group, which is in charge of its operation. The aim of this Museum is the promotion of the industrial olive oil heritage in Greece and the introduction of mechanical energy into the olive oil production process.

The main building presents the three basic phases of olive oil production process (crushing the olive fruit, the pressing of the olive mash and the separation of oil from extraneous fluids). The major storage areas exhibit the history of the Communal Olive Press of Aghia Paraskevi. The smaller warehouses operate as supplementary exhibition spaces presenting the entire task cycle connected with olive oil production such as everyday moments in the cultivation and the care of the olive tree, the processing of olive oil, the production of oil by-products, trade and circulation in Greece and abroad and the professions of other activities associated with olive oil production. The Museum also includes a multi-purpose hall, a cafeteria and small open-air amphitheater.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Address: Aghia Paraskevi, 81102, Lesvos

Tel: (+30) 22530 32300, (+30) 21032 56922, (+30) 21032 56923

E-mail: piop@piraeusbank.gr