On Amorgos, the easternmost of the Cycladic islands, new life is brought into the traditional crafts. Projects have been launched to restore and preserve the island’s dry-stone walls—structures built without binding materials—which are iconic features of the Cycladic landscape.
The timeless role of the walls
Dry-stone walls are more than mere structures—they are essential to the Cyclades’ cultural and landscape identity. For centuries, they have supported the foundations of local agricultural communities. Today, they are an important reminder of traditional architecture and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Environmentally, the dry-stone walls are crucial in combating erosion and collecting rainwater in the dry Cycladic environment. They stabilize slopes and help keep the land arable. Restoring these structures is therefore not just a tribute to the past but also an investment in a sustainable future.
Along steep slopes stretching from mountain peaks to the edge of the sea, terraces and dry-stone walls shape the landscape of the Greek island of Amorgos, enabling agriculture for generations.
Here, among abandoned vineyards and rocky trails, enthusiastic participants from around the world gathered to breathe new life into a tradition at risk of being lost.
The Amorgian craftsmanship
Recently, the third seminar in the series “Η Αμοργιανή Μαστοριά” (The Amorgian craftsmanship) was held, aiming to revive and preserve traditional construction techniques.
The seminar, organized by the non-profit association The Mitato of Amorgos, was a great success, attracting local craftsmen, representatives from many other islands, visitors from mainland Greece, and several other countries. For five days, they gathered to work, learn from one another, and share their knowledge.
The Mitato of the Greek island of Amorgos
Mitato: A stone hut offering shelter to shepherds
The Mitato of Amorgos is a non-profit organization founded in 2020. Their mission is to protect and promote the island’s natural and cultural heritage. Through various projects, including seminars on building dry-stone walls and other traditional crafts, they aim to pass down knowledge to new generations while integrating it with modern methods and technologies. They also explore how this heritage can contribute to creating a unique and sustainable form of tourism that benefits both the local community and visitors’ experiences.
Places that hold both history and future
The seminar attracted participants from around the world—from architects and engineers to farmers and environmentalists. Together with local craftsmen, they worked to revive Amorgos’ historical heritage and give the landscape a renewed purpose in our time.
The central craftsman leading the fieldwork is renowned for his passion and dedication to the art of traditional construction—a quality that has made him highly regarded in the region.
The location for this year’s fieldwork was chosen to be the area of Palia Strata, near the village of Potamos on the Greek island of Amorgos. Here, steep slopes are lined with stone walls and terraces, bearing witness to generations of hard labor.
“We carefully select sites that can benefit the local community while also highlighting the value of the environment,” explains Semeli Drymoniti from The Mitato of Amorgos.
During the five days of the seminar, extensive work was carried out with the help of participants and invited experts.
- 246 feet of supporting stone walls were restored to stabilize the ground above.
- 328 feet of the trail in Palia Strata were cleared and repaired, including a previously hidden paved section.
- 37.5 feet of the trail were reinforced at a site that had eroded.
- New stone structures were built along a stream to slow the water flow.
- An abandoned well was excavated, and repaired, and the surrounding area was paved and equipped with a protective wall.
Building with stone and tradition
During the practical phase of the seminar, the work took place out on site. Semeli Drymoniti introduced us to the restoration process and explained how every step requires precision.
“We always begin by clearing away soil and loose stones to expose the stable foundations.
Using hand tools like hammers and chisels, the local stones are then carefully shaped and stacked to create durable structures,” she explained.
“An important goal is to use as much material as possible directly from the site,” Semeli continues. “In this year’s work, no stones needed to be brought in from elsewhere.”
For the participants, the on-site work is not only a practical experience but also an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the role of dry-stone wall construction and its significance to the identity of the Cyclades.
Reflections and emotions from the seminar
For both participants and organizers, the seminar was an experience filled with profound emotions. “There’s an indescribable joy in seeing such a large-scale project come to completion,” says Semeli Drymoniti.
“Bringing together people from different parts of the world alongside local craftsmen created a unique sense of community,” she continues. “We worked together, shared ideas and perspectives, and formed bonds that will hopefully last a long time.”
The participants formed a diverse group, all united by a shared desire to learn and contribute. “It’s heartening to see how the seminar continues to evolve and strengthen its position,” added Semeli, viewing this as a sign of growing interest in preserving the cultural heritage of the Cyclades.
The work also provided an opportunity for reflection and insights. Many participants expressed how rewarding it was to work with the stones under the guidance of masters who have preserved this craft for generations.
At the same time, the organizers emphasized the importance of preserving the walls as a living part of the landscape. “Our efforts not only protect the landscape but also inspire more people to engage with this traditional craftsmanship.”
The seminars have sparked discussions about the potential of tourism in the Cyclades. The Mitato of Amorgos members see opportunities in a tourism model that combines local craftsmanship with economic development.
“Responsible tourism can become a positive force for reviving the terraces and restoring the dry-stone walls,” notes Semeli Drymoniti.
Collaboration between sustainability experts and local communities could pave the way for a more sustainable tourism industry.
Visions for the future and next steps
The seminars on dry-stone walls on the Greek island of Amorgos are not just about preserving a tradition—they are part of a broader initiative for sustainable development in the Cyclades.
Evenings were dedicated to discussions and lectures held in a conference venue, where participants exchanged ideas and planned future initiatives.
Among the topics discussed were concrete measures to create educational programs in stone craftsmanship, with the aim of establishing schools where the craft can continue to thrive and inspire new generations.
The lectures also highlighted international role models, such as Ireland’s successful programs for preserving cultural heritage while creating new opportunities for local communities.
Through new collaborations among the Cycladic islands and with support from international stakeholders, the organizers hope to strengthen the future of dry-stone wall craftsmanship. The strategy is not only to preserve the landscape but also to establish global recognition for this unique craft as a model for sustainable development.
“This is not just about tradition; it’s also about building a sustainable future for our islands,” was noted during the seminar.
Despite the positive momentum of the seminars, participants are aware of the complex challenges involved in preserving this traditional craft in modern times. Hopefully, future seminars and initiatives will not only ensure the survival of this knowledge but also foster its continued development.
Discover more about the world of dry-stone walls
The seminars held on the Greek island of Amorgos do more than breathe new life into ancient walls and trails—they also open the door to a fascinating tradition that still holds relevance in today’s society. Perhaps you too will be inspired to participate in the future or learn more about dry-stone walls and their significance to the landscape and culture of the Cyclades.
If you’re interested in exploring the Amorgian craftsmanship further, you’re welcome to join one of The Mitato Amorgos’ future seminars. As Semeli Drymoniti herself says: “Come to our seminars and learn how we build—you’ll discover many of our secrets there!”
You can find more information about the association’s activities on their website here: http://mitato-amorgos.com/en/
The seminars are supported by several organizations, including the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Cycladic Museum, the Cyclades Preservation Fund, and others. They are organized by the The Mitato Association on Amorgos and held under the auspices of the Municipality of Amorgos.
Images and video courtesy of The Mitato on Amorgos.
More about the Greek Island of Amorgos here: