RECOGNITION FROM NEW YORK: THE WORLD’S BEST OLIVE OIL IS PRODUCED AT TVRDOŠ MONASTERY

The world’s best olive oil, according to the results of a prestigious international competition in New York, comes from the Serbian Orthodox Tvrdoš Monastery near Trebinje.

This oil won three gold medals at one of the most important global competitions for olive oil producers, confirming that Herzegovina produces top-quality olive oil that can compete with the most renowned producers in the world.

Tvrdoš Monastery – Centuries of Spirituality and Tradition

Tvrdoš Monastery is located not far from Trebinje, on the banks of the Trebišnjica River, and represents one of the most significant spiritual and historical sites in Herzegovina. It serves as the seat of the Eparchy of Zahumlje and Herzegovina and the Littoral of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and for centuries it has been an important center of spiritual life in the region.

The history of Tvrdoš Monastery reaches deep into the past. It was built on the foundations of a church dating back to the 4th century AD, long before the Serbian people adopted Christianity. These ancient foundations can still be seen today, as part of the monastery floor is made of glass, allowing visitors to look at the remains of the early Christian temple beneath.

A Monastery That Survived Destruction and Renewal

The monastery as we know it today was rebuilt in the early 16th century, and in 1517 it was decorated with frescoes painted by Dubrovnik artist Vice Lovrov. Throughout turbulent historical periods, the monastery suffered several times and was destroyed in 1694 during conflicts with the Ottoman Empire, when Venetian forces demolished it.

Reconstruction began in the early 18th century, while the present-day church was built in 1928 thanks to the great benefactor Nikola Runjevac, a native of Trebinje who lived in the United States.

Olive Oil Winning Global Awards

In recent years, Tvrdoš Monastery has also become known for producing premium olive oil. More than a decade ago, an olive grove was planted in the monastery, on the initiative of the sisterhood from the Greek Ormylia Monastery. The monks’ dedicated work and patience have led to the production of oil that is now receiving international recognition.

At the prestigious New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC), olive oil from Tvrdoš Monastery won three gold medals for quality. The awarded oils were made from the Halkidiki, Monastik, and Kalamata varieties, confirming that this part of Herzegovina produces some of the finest olive oil in the world.

Climate, Varieties, and Natural Conditions

Today, the monastery’s olive groves contain around 1,700 olive trees. Among them are local Herzegovinian varieties as well as Greek and Italian cultivars. This combination of varieties, together with the region’s specific natural conditions, gives the oil its distinctive taste and exceptional quality.

Laboratory analyses have shown that olive oil from Tvrdoš Monastery contains more than 400 milligrams of polyphenols per liter, which is considered a very high value. Polyphenols are powerful natural antioxidants that contribute to the stability of olive oil and are increasingly valued by people who pay attention to healthy nutrition.

A Monastery Also Known for Exceptional Wines

Tvrdoš Monastery is also famous for the wines produced in its cellars. In an old stone cellar dating back to the 15th century, the Vranac grape variety matures, while a modern facility equipped with contemporary technology has been built nearby, carefully integrated into the traditional surroundings.

The monastery vineyards are located in Popovo Polje, one of the most renowned wine-growing regions in Herzegovina.

Bishop Atanasije and Tvrdoš Monastery

Tvrdoš Monastery was also the spiritual refuge of one of the most significant contemporary theologians of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Atanasije Jevtić, the Bishop of Zahumlje and Herzegovina. He spent the final years of his life in this monastery, where he often served liturgies, gathered believers, and actively participated in the spiritual life of the diocese.

According to his own wish, he was buried in 2021 in the Chapel of the Resurrection of Christ at the monastery cemetery. For many believers, he remains a symbol of strong faith, education, and spiritual energy that marked the life of Herzegovina.

Where Spirituality, Nature, and Tradition Meet

Today, Tvrdoš Monastery is a unique place where spiritual tradition, history, and modern production come together. This combination makes it one of the most visited monasteries in Herzegovina and the source of one of the world’s finest olive oils.

This recognition was confirmed at the prestigious New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC), the world’s largest international competition dedicated to the quality of extra virgin olive oil. The competition was founded in 2013 by Curtis Cord, founder and publisher of the specialized magazine Olive Oil Times, with the idea of evaluating olive oils from around the world in one place.

Each year, producers from dozens of countries participate in the competition. Samples can be submitted by farms, mills, cooperatives, distributors, or brands marketing olive oil. In one recent year alone, more than 1,200 samples from nearly 30 countries were submitted, demonstrating the global significance of this event. The results are traditionally announced at the final conference in New York, and awards from this competition are considered among the most prestigious recognitions in the world of olive oil production.