The olive press at Klazomenai is the only one from the Archaic period to survive in its original working form.
Archaeologists discovered that the site used a lever-and-weight system to exert pressure on olive paste, a technology later refined by the Romans.
Klazomenai was one of the twelve Ionian cities that formed the Ionian League, a significant political and religious alliance.
The city's strategic location allowed it to export olive oil across the Mediterranean, making it a wealthy economic hub in antiquity.
The site was excavated by a team from Ege University starting in the late 1970s.
Ancient residents of Klazomenai were known for producing high-quality painted pottery known as Klazomenian sarcophagi.
Klazomenai is home to the world's oldest known olive oil production facility, dating back to the 6th century BCE. The site features a meticulously reconstructed olive press system that demonstrates the ancient Greek industrial process of oil extraction. Visitors can observe the original stone press basin, crushing mechanisms, and settling tanks preserved in situ. Excavations on the site have revealed the city's role as a powerful Ionian port and a major center for olive oil trade in the Aegean. The archaeological remains are located within the modern town of Urla, integrating ancient industrial architecture with contemporary residential surroundings. The site provides tangible evidence of mechanical engineering techniques used to separate oil from olive pulp during antiquity. Current preservation efforts focus on maintaining the structural integrity of the stone basins and the surrounding protective shelter.
The elevated viewing platform overlooking the primary olive press basin.
Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby Urla Pier for local seafood.
Look for the interpretive plaques located around the perimeter of the press to understand the mechanical flow of the oil production.
Visit during the spring or autumn months when the outdoor archaeological area is most comfortable for exploration.
Do not confuse the archaeological site with commercial olive oil museums in the region; ensure you are at the specific historical site.
Closed on Mondays.
Avoid touching the ancient stone artifacts and remain within the marked walkways.
