It is with great pleasure and pride that we present the manual for the organisation and realisation of an educational programme on the dry stone craft.
The manual is the result of the research and practical implementation realised in 2025 by the Mitato of Amorgos, in collaboration with the Itinerant Workshop on the Traditional Building Crafts Boulouki and the Cultural and Environmental Association of Tinos “Ambassada”, in the context of the project “Allaximaria: Design and implementation of a standardised dry stone workshop”.
The aim of the manual is to guide organisations and civil society groups who wish to actively engage in the efforts towards the conservation and transition of knowledge of the dry stone craft, assisting them with the planning and realisation of educational programmes in order to secure minimum educational and quality standards. The suggested methodology and structure takes into account the particularities of the Greek territory and the conditions of isolation that are often in place, either due to insularity or mountainous terrain. It is therefore a programme that can be adjusted and realised anywhere, tapping into local techniques, knowledge and craftsmanship.
We invite the organisations and groups that will realise programmes based on this manual to share the feedback resulting from their projects with us, in order to improve the content and lead to a second, revised edition.
We warmly thank our partners and collaborators, as well as everyone that has contributed in any way at all stages of this endeavour.
The project “Allaximaria: Design and implementation of a standardised dry stone workshop” was funded by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, the Secretariat-General of the Aegean and Aegean Island Policy, with the support of Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF). Ferry transfers during the pilot workshop were realised with the sponsorship of Blue Star Ferries and Small Cyclades Lines. The Association “Ambassada” participated with the support of the Municipality of Tinos..
The pilot workshop was supported by the Local Community of Iraklia of the Municipality of Naxos and the Small Cyclades.
We would like to thank Meltemi Retreat Iraklia, Sohoro, Aiolos και Aegean Herbs for offering their services
We would also like to warmly thank everyone that has contributed to the crowdfunding campaign and helped in the realisation of this project.
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4th Dry Stone Workshop “The Amorgian Craftsmanship”: Open call
It is with great pleasure that we announce the organisation of the 4th Dry Stone Workshop “The Amorgian Craftsmanship” in Amorgos, from 19 to 31 October 2026.
The 4th Dry Stone Workshop “The Amorgian Craftsmanship” has been designed based on the programme and content of the above standardised model and we are pleased to invite you to participate in one of its two events: the dry stone apprenticeship & the dry stone workshop.
read moreKrastu Mastru – Learning the art of Dry Stone in Sardinia
From 1 to 10 May 2026, we had the pleasure to participate in Krastu Mastru, a project realised by Foghiles in Semèstene village, in the province of Sassari in Sardinia (Italy), represented by the member of The Mitato of Amorgos, Maria Nomikou. The aim of the project was the exchange of knowledge regarding various techniques of dry stone building, and its transmission to apprentices.
read moreWelcoming the second group of students from the Lycée Agricole de Matiti, French Guiana
In the context of Erasmus+ programme, we welcomed in Amorgos the second group of students of the Department of Management and Protection of Nature of the Lycée Agricole de Matiti, part of the French Guiana educational organisation EPLEFPA BTS, from 20 to 24 April 2026.
read moreParticipation in the first European Network Meeting of the Programme for Culture and Engagement LOKAL
The Mitato of Amorgos was pleased and honoured to be among the organisations invited to attend the first European Network Meeting of the Programme for Culture and Engagement LOKAL
read moreWelcoming students from the Lycée Agricole de Matiti, French Guiana
In the context of Erasmus+ programme, we welcomed in Amorgos the students of the Department of Management and Protection of Nature of the Lycée Agricole de Matiti. Together we worked with us in the restoration of dry stone walls in the outskirts of Langada, learning the craft from our craftsman Antonis Vlavianos. Furthermore, as part of their specialisation, the studied the flora and fauna of the area, particularly that of the micro-ecosystems created in dry stone structures.
read moreThe art of dry stone in Iraklia: the interaction between material, landscape and craftsmanship through time
This article is only in Greek and was born out of the reflections that arose during the Pilot Dry-Stone Workshop, held as part of the program ‘Allaximaria: Design and implementation of a model dry-stone workshop,’ which took place in Irakleia, through our interaction with the local community.
read moreImplementing a standardised dry stone workshop in Iraklia
The pilot workshop of the project "Allaximaria: Design and implementation of a standardised dry stone workshop" was realised on the island of Iraklia, Cyclades, from 8 to 22 October 2025, in collaboration with Boulouki team along with Association “Ambassada”. The pilot dry stone workshop was structured on two axes _ the programme of professional apprenticeship and the open workshop programme. Both programmes involved practical work on site and theoretical lessons.
read moreWall building at the Dry Stone Canada Festiposium 2025
The Mitato of Amorgos has been invited by the organization Dry Stone Canada and took part in the Festiposium 2025 which was held on Amherst Island in Lake Ontario, Canada, from 26 to 28 September 2025..
The Festiposium was a meeting opportunity for the members of the Association, friends of dry stone in general, as well as residents of Amherst Island, where the largest concentration of Irish type dry stone walls in Canadais found. Starting in 2015, the Dry Stone Canada team has realised more events on the island, with participants from other countries too, mainly Ireland, the UK and the USA. Through these events, free standing walls are restored, many of whom have been officially designated as dry stone heritage.
Participation in the events of the 7th Workshop in Traditional Stonemasonry in Langadia, Arcadia
It was with great pleasure that we received the invitation of the Association “Friends of Traditional Architecture - Blossoming Stones” to participate in one of the two evening events organised in the context of the 7th Workshop in Traditional Stonemasonry in Langadia, Arcadia (Greece), from 27 July to 3 August 2025.
The lectures focused on aspects of stonemasonry in the past, the relevant scientific research, but also the training framework in France, as well as the current steps towards this goal in Greece.
“Allaximaria”: Open call to a standardised dry stone workshop
We are extremely pleased to announce the organisation of the pilot dry stone workshop of “Allaximaria”, from 8 to 22 October 2025, on the island of Iraklia, and we invite you to participate in one of its two events.
Secure your spot in one of the above events now, by filling out the relevant form:
Sign up to the dry stone apprenticeship (8-22/10/2025)
Sign up to the dry stone workshop (13-18/10/2025)
** Registration is open until 15 September 2025.