Pilot dry stone workshop on the island of Iraklia, Cyclades: A successful event
In the context of the project “Allaximaria: Design and implementation of a standardised dry stone workshop”, undertaken this year by the Mitato of Amorgos in collaboration with Boulouki team along with the Cultural and Environmental Association of Tinos “Ambassada”, the pilot workshop of the designed model was realised on the island of Iraklia, Cyclades, from 8 to 22 October 2025.
The structure and the programme of the workshop were the result of the first, research phase of the project, during which the form of a standardised workshop was decided, following the study of programmes and systems abroad and a discussion as to how these can be adapted to the Greek context, particularly in island regions.
The pilot dry stone workshop was structured on two axes:
- The programme of professional apprenticeship, lasting two weeks, which was realised from 8 to 22 October 2025 and in which three apprentices took part.
- The open workshop programme, addressed to the general public and lasting 6 days, which was realised from 13 to 18 October 2025, with the aim of familiarising the public with the dry stone craft, its basic building principles, as well as its historical, cultural and environmental background. 18 participants attended the open workshop.
Both programmes involved practical work on site and theoretical lessons.
PRACTICAL WORK ON SITE:
The practical part of the apprenticeship and workshop was realised in the location “Koukoula”, on the outskirts of the village Panagia in Iraklia, Cyclades. The works included the restoration of free standing dry stone walls at the beginning of the trail to Ftero Dematou, as well as the restoration of sustaining walls in an olive grove adjacent to the path. A cobblestone path was also constructed in part of the trail that presented difficulty in access due to slope and terrain.
Specifically, during the two-week programme, the following works were completed:
- Restoration of 9 sections of dry stone sustaining walls, of a total length of 168.80 m. All walls are located in an olive grove adjacent to the trail to Ftero Dematou.
- Restoration, in places partial, of 14 sections of free standing walls, of a total length of 124.75 m. 12 sections are located on the sides of the trail to Ftero Dematou, while two are part of the limit of the olive grove to the south and west.
- Construction of dry stone cobblestone path, of a total surface of 6.60 m2 . The cobblestone path was created in a part of the trail to Ftero Dematou which presented difficulty in access due to the slope and terrain. Four steps were made, adjusting to the terrain.
The works on site were realised under the guidance of local craftsman Nikolis Gavalas and the trainers Giorgos Tzavaras (Boulouki) and Ioannis Dellatolas (Ambassada), who have extensive experience in traditional building techniques and their transmission in the context of workshops.
The first day of the professional apprenticeship began with an introduction to the site, a presentation of safety rules and a demonstration of tools and their correct use. This introduction was repeated on the first day of the open workshop. In continuation, the restoration works involved tasks such as transportation of materials, chiseling, wall demolition and organisation of the material around it, foundation, use of guides and site clearing.
On the evening of Monday 13 and the morning of Tuesday 14 October 2025, Ioannis Karpontinis, owner of the quarry “Karpontini Bros Naxian Marbles” on the neighbouring island of Naxos, presented the method of “katrakylia”, used to transport large materials manually. Following the demonstration, the participants of both the professional apprenticeship and the open workshop had the chance to transport a boulder next to the trail using the technique.
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THEORETICAL LESSONS
According to the designed model of a standardised dry stone workshop, theoretical classes are included in order to contextualise and solidify the practical instruction on site. The lessons taught during the pilot workshop of “Allaximaria” were the following:
- Technical characteristics of dry stone structures.
Giorgos Tzavaras, architect, member of Boulouki team, trainer of the pilot workshop. - The geology of Iraklia.
Panagiota Margariti, geologist. - History and architecture of dry stone.
Ioulia Papaeftychiou, Dr Architect. - Legal protection of dry stone structures.“
Iakovos Mathioudakis, lawyer, Ass. Professor of Administrative Law, Law School of AUTh, and Konstantina Papageorgiou, archaeologist.
The aim of the theoretical classes was the deeper understanding of the multiple facets of dry stone, from a structural as well as a cultural and environmental point of view. Participants studied structural diagrams of dry stone walls, examined samples of local rocks and discussed about their properties and applications in construction, watched presentations rich in photographic material on dry stone structures, as well as information related to their current condition and the legal framework for their protection.
DRY STONE AND EDUCATION – SCHOOL VISITS ON SITE
An essential goal of the dry stone workshops, and the projects of Mitato of Amorgos in general, is their dissemination in the educational community and raising awareness among students on environmental and cultural issues.
In this context, it was a great pleasure to invite and welcome the schools of the Small Cyclades Islands and their acquaintance with our work.
Specifically, on Wednesday 15 October 2025, the High Schools of Schinoussa and Donousa islands visited the site. Students had the opportunity to work on all stages of dry stone construction, from foundation to completion of a wall with capstones, in an area that had been especially prepared for this activity. Furthermore, we discussed the environmental and cultural role of dry stone structures, especially on the arid Cycladic islands.
On Wednesday 22 October 2025, the last day of the professional apprenticeship programme, the Primary School and Kindergarten of Iraklia visited the site. The little visitors played with the stones, learning to select and properly allocate them in order to support a small wall.
AFTERNOON WALK
In order to better familiarise participants with the island of Iraklia and learn more about its history and landscape, an afternoon walk to Kastro (Castle) was realised on Friday 17 October 2025.
The group was escorted by Fanis Gavalas, a permanent resident of Iraklia and owner of a touristic business, who talked about the local flora and fauna, the history, vernacular architecture and the agricultural tradition of the island.
IMPACT AND DISSEMINATION OF THE PILOT WORKSHOP
The pilot workshop of the project “Allaximaria” was disseminated through the websites and social media of the organisers, partners and participants, as well as local and national media. Indicatively, on Thursday 16 October 2025, the project was presented on the ERT3 show “Perimetre”, with live connection to the site and an interview with Semeli Drymoniti from the Mitato of Amorgos and Ioannis Dellatolas from Ambassada.
You can view the full interview HERE.
On Saturday 18 October 2025, a closing event was organised at Maistrali Restaurant. During the event, the whole of the workshop and the impressions of participants were discussed, participation certificates were awarded and traditional island music and dance followed. The event was one more occasion for the participation of the wider community of Iraklia, who embraced the project from the beginning and offered goods, services and support.
After the completion of the open workshop and the professional apprenticeship, a questionnaire was sent to participants and apprentices, in order to investigate the overall impression from their experience but also detect areas of improvement. Participation in this effort has been significant and is expected to contribute to the completion of the current project, as well as the organisation of future dry stone workshops.
The next phase of the project “Allaximaria: Design and implementation of a standardised dry stone workshop” is the review of the designed model and its final processing in order to have it published and shared by the end of the current year.
The project “Allaximaria: Design and implementation of a standardised dry stone workshop” is 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). Our ferry transfers were realised with the sponsorship of Blue Star Ferries and Small Cyclades Lines . The Association “Ambassada” participates 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.
Irakleia Xerolithia-26_ Alexandros Zilos
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