Description

The Museum of Industrial Olive-Oil Production in Lesvos (MBEL) in Agia Paraskevi is housed in the premises of the old communal oil-mill. The oil-mill turned into a museum, restoring both its architectural and mechanical features to their original condition. The old machinery and equipment that have been preserved and fully restored, are being exhibited in a unique way by being put into use for demonstration’s sake, which is supported by digital material. One can witness the development of the various machines, while special emphasis is given to the changes the introduction of mechanical power brought into the process of oil production. 

In the main building the three basic steps of the oil production process (crushing the olives, pressing the olive-pulp, separating oil from water) are demonstrated, while there is special reference to the auxiliary operation of the flour-mill.

The former storage areas of the olive crop are used as auxiliary exhibition halls, in which exhibits present the human element involved in oil production.

The larger storage areas hold detailed exhibits of the history of the communal oil-mill of Agia Paraskevi, the mechanization of oil production in Lesvos and the wider socio-economic background. 

In the smaller storage areas, the full cycle of trades involved in oil production is presented. 

Opening Times- Summer Season 
March 1st- October 15th
Monday, Wednesday- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 18:00 p.m.

Opening Times- Winter Season
October 16th- February 28th
Tuesday- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 17:00 p.m.

Closed: Tuesdays, January 1st, Good Friday (until 12 noon), (Greek Orthodox) Easter Sunday, May 1st, September 14th (local patronal feast), August 15th, December 25th and 26th

Entrance fee: 4€
Reduced fee: all students of universities, technical institutes or equivalent educational establishments from countries outside the European Union, parents having more than 3 children, unemployed- with demonstration of unemployment card, all employees of Piraeus Bank Group as well as the members of their families

Free Admition to all visitors under 18- upon presentation of their national identity card or passport, all visitors over 65- upon presentation of their national identity card or passport, students night schools and second-chance schools, all students of Greek universities, technical institutes or equivalent educational establishments of European Union Countries upon presentation of their student card, those serving their military service by showing their military ID, officials of the Ministry of Culture, with the demonstration of their identity, group visits of all three levels of education (students with the teaching personnel), tourist guides upon presentation of their professional card (as well as the drivers of tour coaches), journalists- upon presentation of their press card, holders of the special I.C.O.M. and I.C.O.M.O.S. member card- upon its presentation, members Companies and Associations of Friends of Museums and Archaeological Sites in Greece by showing a certified member card, the card holders free entry upon presentation of a certified card, the Culture Card holders- upon presentation of a certified card, holders of the European Youth Card- upon its presentation, the members of KAPH by showing a certified card, disabled people as well as their companion 

Extra services: shop, cafe, open-air theatre, amenities for the physically challenged