Krastu 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. For ten days, craftsmen from Cyprus, Croatia, Sardinia and a craftswoman from Northern Italy captured the uniqueness of their technique in 30 metres of sustaining wall, and we had the chance to learn by their side.

Cyprus had a strong presence in the event, represented by Terract of Salami, with craftsmen Panagiotis and Argyris Panagiotou, architect Sevina Floridou and Vasiliki P. Panagiotou. The group has been active since 2019 with various projects, focusing on raising awareness and engaging the youth in the dry stone craft. In 2025, they participated in the 19^th International Architectural Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, highlighting the multifaceted importance of dry stone on an architectural, social and environmental level.

We were very happy to meet again with 4 Grada Dragodid eam from Croatia, and craftsman Duje Mikelić. Dragodid marks almost 20 years of action, with workshops organised all year round in areas of Croatia where dry stone structures are present.

Craftswoman Serena Cattaneo, working in areas of Northern Italy, and craftsman Matteo Marangon from Sardinia, led by their own experience each one towards choosing this profession, are both graduates of International Terraced Landscape Alliance (ITLA) της Ιταλίας. They passed on a very important dimension of the way in which a wall is restored, as well as the process of starting from scratch, calculating materials, working hours and costs. Of exceptional interest was the acceptance of Serena by the community of craftsmen, as apparently she is the only craftswoman active in Italy at present.

During the event, we also had the opportunity to present our current and future projects, our goals, challenges and vision. In addition, we were guided by the team of Foghiles through some very impressive dry stone monuments of the area, such as Nuraghe Santu Antine, as well as an area with numerous Pinnettas de Pedra, structures with various uses, according to the needs of farmers and shepherds in the area. We saw beautiful medieval villages, we were hosted by locals and felt familiar.

Through this meeting, we realised that dry stone is not only a building technique; it is a way of connecting people through collaboration, knowledge exchange and common effort. Each stone is placed next to the other to create something stable that will last in time – just like the relationships built among people who love and serve this art. Dry stone bears a deep sense of solidarity and community, a process that shifts the attention from “I” to “us”, reminding us that the most essential works are created collectively.