Douro is also about olive oil and olive groves. Built in a former watermill in the village of Castedo do Douro, the Interpretive Center D'Olival ao Azeite D'Ouro is located 6 km from Alijó and 50 km from Vila Real.
As an exhibition and information space dedicated to the culture and production of olive oil in the municipality of Alijó and the Alto Douro Vinhateiro, UNESCO World Heritage,the Interpretive Center is also a place where memory, knowledge, and senses come together with the same harmony that makes Douro olive oil a unique product.
Douro olive oil is a mark of excellence. Let's place it at the heart of Douro gastronomy, at the center of our tables, introducing the cycle of olive oil production and the traditional techniques associated with it.
● Spaces
The Interpretive Center D'Olival ao Azeite D'Ouro is divided into five spaces:
Welcome. It is at the main entrance that we greet our visitors. This is also the location for purchasing tickets of various types, allowing visitors to combine visits with tastings and even meals. It is here that an explanation of the center’s operation is provided.
In this area, an interactive panel is available with a map of the CIAD – D’Olival Interpretive Center for Golden Olive Oil, featuring general information and an application that can be downloaded on smartphones to assist with the visit.
In this space, you will find all the machinery dating back to the mid-20th century. All the machines have been restored, and illustrative panels help better understand their operation. At certain times of the year, the Center has olives available so that visitors can have a real and sensory experience.
This is the space dedicated to the sale of olive oil, olives, and other endemic products related to this culture. This location was a former olive oil storage area.
Here, visitors can learn more about the Mediterranean Diet and stimulate the palate through tasting olive oil, olives, and derived products.
Olive oil, so traditional in Portuguese cuisine, can also be the inspiration for contemporary cooking. This is the space we have chosen for experimental activities and culinary innovation related to olive oil and the Mediterranean diet.
From here, we set out to visit the olive groves surrounding the Center. There are various types of olive groves, and this is the starting point for exploring the terrain and appreciating the olive trees and their differences. The courtyard and outdoor space also allow for the parking of cars and buses.
Sensory
Visit us and discover the Mediterranean Diet, stimulating your palate through the tasting of olive oil, olives, and derived products.
Emotional
Visit a space of memories and traditions, where you can learn about the history of olive groves and olive oil in the Douro, in the country, and around the world.
Vibrant
Appreciate all the machinery restored from the mid-20th century, with illustrative panels that help interpret how Olive Oil Mills operated.
Local
Get ready to explore the region with scheduled visits to olive groves. Visit our dedicated retail space for olive oil, olives, and other indigenous products from the region.
