Corfú

Since distant times, the ash tree has been closely tied to Mediterranean culture. A symbol of strength venerated by the Greeks for its durability and flexibility, ash has been and continues to be a famous “tree of life”. However, its most salient trait is the quality of its wood, which is hard and very durable, but at the same time very flexible and, what is more, impermeable. Boats have commonly been made from ash because its flexibility allows it to be bent to create a curved hull and, since the wood is impermeable, it was perfect for keeping it afloat. In fact, in ancient times, people would carry a talisman made of ash wood in the belief that it would protect them from drowning.