LA Almazara Olive Oil Mill, Ronda - by Philippe Starck

LA Almazara, is a contemporary olive oil mill and museum designed by the French artist Philippe Starck. © Michelle Chaplow

I have to say that I have a passion for Spain, a country of passionate people” Philippe Starck

LA Almazara Olive Oil Mill, designed by Philippe Starck

by Michelle Chaplow

This olive oil museum and mill located near Ronda, which opened in October 2024, is a fantastic addition to the list of must-see attractions in Andalucía.

LA Almazara is an avant-garde olive oil mill and interpretation centre, designed by the renowned French artist Philippe Starck. More than just a functional space, it stands as an architectural work of art in its own right, offering a bold and innovative contrast to the traditional olive oil factories that dot the rural landscapes of Andalusia.

Starck's visionary design transforms the LA Almazara olive oil mill into a striking architectural landmark, merging cutting-edge aesthetics with the rich agricultural heritage of organic olive oil production. The result is a unique fusion of art, design, architecture, industry, and nature, redefining the experience of olive oil milling in the region.

On the north façade, a surrealist eye pays homage to Picasso.

The world's first signature olive oil mill

LA Almazara was born from the vision of the late investment banker Pedro Gómez de Baeza, who partnered with Philippe Starck, the world-renowned French industrial designer, to fulfil his dream. LA Almazara promises to be a global benchmark that celebrates the art and tradition of olive oil. When Gomez first contacted Starck in 2014, a decade before the opening, the latter was thrilled. Starck has long-standing links with Spain, having designed and built his own villa in Formentera where he spent much time over 40 years. He says his island home was “the greatest inspiration” - many of his projects were born during his time spent there. Starck asserts that Spain is "a country of passionate people" - he certainly shares that same passion for Spain.

In the words of Philippe Starck ‘LA Almazara is neither architecture nor a place of culture. It is an object that has fallen from space and has simply taken on the dimension and name of respect. Beyond the object itself, LA Almazara has a function, that of protecting one of the things of our civilisation that serves our animal species. There is the water, there is salt and there is the oil. These elements are sacred. They have always been respected, and probably always will be. LA Almazara is a tribute to this respect for olive oil, born by the civilisations that have preceded us’.

The aim of the museum and the LA Almazara is to promote the culture, history and tradition of one of the flagship products of Spanish cuisine, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and affording Ronda a new status in both design and olive oil tourism.

The olive - an icon of Andalucia.

The Outdoor Experience

In the most unexpected way, your journey begins in the car park, which feels almost reminiscent of a bullring with its ochre-coloured floor. This space is transformed by an outdoor photographic display, featuring 10-metre-high images related to the olive oil industry. As you move on, you'll pass through gardens adorned with centuries-old olive trees that no longer produce fruit but stand as a tribute to the rich heritage and tradition of olive cultivation in Andalucía, and also a universal symbol of peace.

The gardens are home to organic herbs and a "variety walk," showcasing over 25 types of olives from across the globe, including the Mediterranean and Middle East (not part of the guided tour). Scattered throughout the grounds, you’ll find surprise artworks by Starck — his signature playful touch — such as viewing windows, oversized mirrors, and quirky sculptures.

A true highlight is the west façade of the mill — a fusion of an olive and a bull's horn, both iconic symbols of Andalucía. On the north façade, a surrealist eye pays homage to Picasso, with smoke emerging from the "pupil," ingeniously designed as a chimney for the grand open fireplace. The entire experience is immersive, impressive, and incredibly photogenic, so don't forget to bring your camera! Also be aware that the tour moves between inside the building, which has very low lighting, and the bright Andalucian sunshine, and it takes a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the extremes of light.

As you leave the gardens and step into this ochre cube on the elevated bridge, you gaze down upon a massive torso resting in a circular pond. Rainwater pours from the roof, cascading over the figure’s head in a manner reminiscent of baptism. The space is filled with art and symbolism, inviting visitors to interpret it in their own way.

Dining inside the olive oil mill © Michelle Chaplow

Dining at the restaurant inside the olive oil mill.

The indoor experience

LA Almazara is crafted to provide a rich and immersive experience that captures the essence and artistry of extra virgin olive oil, with a working oil press, museum, restaurant, tasting and events area spread over four floors.

The higher two levels, including a mezzanine, are dedicated to the museum itself, where visitors can explore the history and significance of olive oil production in the region. The middle floor is home to a restaurant, an olive oil tasting area, and a retail section.

During harvest season, olives cascade down a magnificent stainless steel chute into the hopper.© Michelle Chaplow

During harvest season, olives cascade down the magnificent stainless steel chute and into the hopper.

The restaurant, with its contemporary design, features a stunning balcony where diners can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding olive groves. The space is furnished with a mix of wrought iron and wood and hessian chairs, long communal tables for group dining, and smaller tables perfect for more intimate moments. This level seems to float above the landscape, offering panoramic views of the Sierra de Grazalema and the Serranía de Ronda. The large, recycled maritime chains evoke the feeling of stepping out onto a grand medieval drawbridge.

Outside, visitors can observe a run-of-the-mill (!) industrial piece transformed into an artistic feature: the hopper and conveyor belt system that transports olives through the museum and restaurant. During harvest season, olives are carried along the belt, and cascade down the magnificent stainless steel chute, and into the hopper. In the basement, the mill's production plant is housed, and visitors can watch the fascinating process of turning olives into high-quality olive oil through a glass floor, offering a unique, immersive view of the mill in action.

This level seems to float above the landscape, offering panoramic views of the Sierra de Grazalema and the Serranía de Ronda.

For Philippe Starck ‘LA Almazara is an unusual, incredible and miraculous place where visitors can enjoy a powerful and radical experience that challenges and transforms. It is an accumulation of mysteries where the crystallised respect of olive oil mingles with emotion’.

Every corner offers something intriguing, from a floor-to-ceiling sword to an AI-generated image of Abbas Ibn Firnás, the visionary from Ronda who conceived the idea of human flight, centuries before Leonardo da Vincci. Suspended above the restaurant and mezzanine level is a replica of his human kite.

Ara Starck, the designer's daughter, crafted the 900m² artwork that adorns the ceiling, and it feels as though you might need a chaise longue to absorb it al completely.