Museum of Olive Oil | Castelnuovo di Farfa

In the picturesque village of Castelnuovo di Farfa, the Museum of Olive Oil offers a unique immersive and sensory experience, celebrating the deep connection between contemporary art and Sabina’s green gold. The exhibition journey begins outdoors among original graffiti carved into mortar, leading visitors inside to discover masterworks, including famous bronze sculptures by Alik Cavaliere, copper artworks in the cave, and dark walls woven with golden threads.

The itinerary seamlessly blends history and art: from the machine room with ancient olive presses to the oleophone room, an extraordinary sound sculpture that translates the dripping of olive oil into music. The journey continues past an ancient 18th-century mill and ends outside at the historic oven with the art installation “Olio al pane alla terra il sogno” (Oil to bread to earth the dream). A must-see destination in Sabina, showcasing rural heritage through cutting-edge contemporary art.

Curiosities and History

Which famous artist created the bronze sculptures inside the museum?
The seven bronze sculptures lying on the floor were created by the renowned artist Alik Cavaliere. Depicting an anthropomorphic and humanized olive tree, the artworks offer a moving reflection on nature in continuous metamorphosis.

How does the magic of the oleophone room work?
The oleophone is a one-of-a-kind sound sculpture where the irregular dripping of olive oil synchronizes with the slow rotation of a centuries-old olive tree trunk. The result is a hypnotic melody that merges mechanics, nature, and sound into a captivating atmosphere.

What was the role of the 18th-century mill for the local community?
The mill dating back to the late 18th century features a heavy stone millstone once powered by a donkey. This facility served the entire community of Castelnuovo not only for pressing olives, but also for processing other essential agricultural products.

What does the final installation at the oven symbolize?
At the exit of the museum, the tour ends with an artwork dedicated to bread and olive oil. Featuring ceramic loaves of bread, symbolic fires, and gilded olive branches, the installation celebrates the union of earth’s harvests, bringing new flavor to life much like art does.