Seven centuries old. That’s the estimated age of s’Olivera. This isn’t just any olive tree. It’s s’Olivera de Cort the heart of Palma’s Plaza Cort. Imagine a time long before cars and even before electricity. This majestic tree stood witness to centuries of Mallorcan life.
S’Olivera wasn’t always here in the Plaza Cort though. Originally it grew on a finca near Pollença. Hotelier and bus entrepreneur Jaime Batle had a vision. He wanted a symbol of Mallorca in the town square. In 1989 he orchestrated the amazing feat of transplanting this ancient giant. Even at its age olive trees can be moved.
Picture this: a massive root ball carefully extracted then transported across the island. The tree settled into its new home. It became the iconic centerpiece of Plaza Cort. The s’Olivera’s trunk has a circumference of seven metres. It rises six metres tall. Its gnarled branches reach skyward. They create a living sculpture.
Many say the tree is more than just a tree. It’s a living monument. Its presence anchors the square. People gather around it to rest or simply enjoy the beauty of it. Tourists flock to see this unique landmark. They snap photos. They marvel at its age and size. They look for faces within the knotted bark. One feature is so prominent it’s known as the Orella de Mallorca which means the Ear of Mallorca.
Since 2017 a grille protects s’Olivera from overzealous admirers. Yet the tree remains accessible. The grille doesn’t diminish its grandeur. It merely ensures its preservation for generations to come. S’Olivera a silent storyteller continues its watch over Plaza Cort. It will likely stand for centuries more a symbol of resilience and the enduring spirit of Mallorca.