The cultural foundation “Routes of the Olive Tree” is pleased to announce the organization of the event held under its patronage, “Montevergine Incontra. A Tavola con le Religioni: Regole e Valori del Cibo”, which will take place at the Benedictine Abbey of Loreto in Mercogliano on April 18 and 19, 2026.
The first day (April 18) is dedicated to talks and conferences on the meaning of food in different religious traditions, with speakers from the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic worlds, followed by moments of dialogue and discussion. The second day (April 19) includes more experiential activities, such as guided tours and, above all, a shared meal, designed as a meaningful moment of encounter and exchange among different cultures and religions.
During the second day, in the “Garden of Encounter and Peace”, three olive trees will be planted by the three representatives of the three religions. This act is part of the initiative we promote for the creation of the “Gardens of Peace in the Mediterranean”, a series of symbolic spaces intended to serve as catalysts for intercultural dialogue.
The participation of distinguished personalities in the meeting, such as Abbot Riccardo Luca Guariglia, Imam Massimo Abdullah Cozzolino, and Rabbi Cesare Moscati, will significantly contribute to its success and to the achievement of its objectives.
The Abbey of Montevergine is one of the most important monastic complexes in southern Italy and one of the most prominent centers of Marian devotion. The sanctuary preserves the precious icon of the Madonna di Montevergine, distinguished by its unmistakable Byzantine style; for centuries it has been a destination for pilgrims and a strong symbol of identity for the Irpinia community and southern Italy in general.
The architectural complex of Montevergine reflects different historical layers—medieval, Renaissance, and modern—and includes the Cathedral Basilica with its imposing bell tower, the Chapel of the Treasury, the Abbey Museum, the historic Library and Archive, as well as the monumental Pharmacy of Loreto from the 18th century, a testimony to the monastic tradition in the preparation of herbal remedies. Having been elevated to a Territorial Abbey, Montevergine has played a key role in managing the surrounding agricultural landscape, including olive cultivation, contributing to a cultural heritage that intertwines spirituality, art, architecture, and territory.
For all these reasons, the Abbey of Montevergine has been certified by us as a Point of Interest within our cultural routes of dialogue and peace, following the evaluation of several key elements. These include: the ritual offering of olive oil to the patron saint of the region, as a powerful spiritual, material, and intangible symbol of peace and harmony; the monastic tradition of recognizing the beneficial and therapeutic properties of olive oil; the central role of monastic communities in olive cultivation; and the production that the Abbey continues to carry out today, preserving ancient practices.
The objectives of the two-day event are fully aligned with the values promoted by our organization. We believe that through mutual understanding—specifically regarding the habits and values related to food in the three major monotheistic religions—it is possible to create a path of dialogue and peace. This takes place under the symbol of the olive tree, which acts as a bridge between different religions and, more broadly, between different cultures.