by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interviews: Serena Tonel, Deputy Mayor of Trieste; National Councilor of the Associazione Città dell’Olio for Friuli Venezia Giulia; Antonio Paoletti, President of the Chamber of Commerce Venezia Giulia
The 2025 edition of Camminata tra gli Olivi (“Walk Among the Olive Trees”) was officially presented this morning at the Chamber of Commerce Venezia Giulia. The annual event, now in its ninth year, will take place on Sunday, October 26, 2025, across various towns in Friuli Venezia Giulia, including Trieste, Duino Aurisina, Manzano, Muggia, and San Dorligo della Valle/Dolina.
The presentation, held in the “Desiata” Hall, featured Trieste’s Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel — who also serves as the national councilor of the Città dell’Olio association for Friuli Venezia Giulia — alongside Chamber of Commerce President Antonio Paoletti and representatives from local municipalities, the Italian Liver Foundation (Fondazione Italiana Fegato), and Pro Loco Trieste.
“The initiative highlights our territory and the evolving challenges of olive cultivation,” Tonel said. “We aim to draw attention to issues such as the abandonment of olive groves, the impact of climate change, and the growing potential of olive oil tourism, which continues to expand following new national agreements that encourage citizens to rediscover this distinctive agricultural sector.”
The event is promoted by the National Association Città dell’Olio and the National Union of Italian Pro LocoAssociations (UNPLI), and organized locally by the Municipality of Trieste with the support of Pro Loco Trieste, the Italian League for the Fight Against Cancer (LILT), and the Italian Liver Foundation (FIF).
A Walk Linking History, Health, and Agriculture
In Trieste, the Camminata tra gli Olivi will take the form of a free guided itinerary exploring the city’s historical and cultural landmarks while emphasizing healthy eating and local agricultural traditions. Despite the region’s limited olive production, Trieste’s edition aims to focus on quality over quantity, connecting the city’s ancient urban core to the olive-growing landscapes of nearby San Dorligo della Valle.
“Our approach is distinct,” Tonel explained. “We combine Trieste’s historical context with the scientific aspects of extra virgin olive oil, showcasing our region’s unique relationship with olive cultivation — one rooted in excellence rather than scale.”
The 2025 theme, “Coltiviamo la Pace” (“Cultivating Peace”), will guide participants on a route from Trieste’s Roman Theatre to the medieval hill of San Giusto, with stops at the J.J. Winckelmann Museum’s Lapidary, the Old Town, and the historic oil press in Androna dell’Olio.
The itinerary continues through the Borgo Giuseppino neighborhood, culminating at the Salone degli Incanti auditorium, where a conference will feature leading scientists discussing the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil. Among the speakers will be Bruna Scaggiante, professor of molecular biology at the University of Trieste and regional coordinator of LILT, and Claudio Tiribelli, scientific director of the Italian Liver Foundation, accompanied by senior scientist Natalia Rosso, who will present research on liver health and olive oil consumption.
The day will conclude with a visit to a farm in San Dorligo della Valle, including an olive grove walk, a light lunch, and a guided tasting of locally produced olive oil.
Promoting Olive Tourism and Sustainability
For Chamber of Commerce President Antonio Paoletti, the initiative aligns closely with broader regional efforts to promote oleotourism. “The Camminata tra gli Olivi complements our long-standing collaboration with Città dell’Olioand Mirabilia,” Paoletti said, referring to projects associated with Olio Capitale, Trieste’s international exhibition dedicated to high-quality extra virgin olive oils.
The next Olio Capitale fair, scheduled for March 13–15, 2026, will focus on engaging younger generations as both producers and consumers. “Our goal,” Paoletti added, “is to highlight the crucial role of youth in ensuring the continuity, innovation, and sustainability of this ancient agricultural and cultural heritage.”
How to Participate
The Camminata tra gli Olivi in Trieste is free to join but limited to 50 participants. Registration is required via email at info@prolocotrieste.it or WhatsApp at +39 335 6675029.
The meeting point will be at the Roman Theatre at 9 a.m. on October 26. Participants will be guided through the city’s historical sites before transferring by bus to San Dorligo della Valle for the afternoon’s olive grove experience and tasting. The event will conclude around 5 p.m. with a return to Piazza Oberdan.
