Irakleia-Xerolithia-132_-©-Alexandros-Zilos

ALAXIMARIA

Design and implementation of a dry stone wall workshop model

The project “Allaximaria: Design and Implementation of a Prototype Dry Stone Walling Workshop” began with the pilot application of the proposed model on the island of Irakleia (Cyclades) in October 2025. The pilot consisted of a two-week professional apprenticeship programme and a six-day experiential workshop open to the wider public. The structure and content of the workshop emerged from the project’s initial research phase and were specifically adapted to the conditions and realities of island environments.

The practical component of both the apprenticeship and the workshop took place at Koukoulas, near the settlement of Panagia on Irakleia. The works included the restoration of dry stone enclosure walls at the beginning of the path leading to Ftero Dematos, as well as the repair of retaining walls in an olive grove adjacent to the path. A section of stone-paved pathway (kalderimi) was also constructed where access had been difficult due to the slope and terrain morphology.

More specifically, during the two-week programme, the following works were completed:

  • Restoration of nine sections of dry stone retaining walls, with a total length of 168.80 metres, all located within an olive grove west of the path to Ftero Dematos.
  • Partial restoration of fourteen sections of dry stone enclosure walls, with a total length of 124.75 metres. Twelve sections are located on either side of the path to Ftero Dematos, and two at the western and southern boundaries of the olive grove.
  • Construction of a dry stone-paved pathway (kalderimi) with a total surface area of 6.60 m², at a point along the path to Ftero Dematos that presented access difficulties due to slope and terrain conditions. Four stone steps (kadenes) were built, adapted to the natural relief of the site.

All fieldwork was carried out under the guidance of local master craftsperson Nikolis Gavalas, together with trainers Giorgos Tzavaras (Boulouki) and Giannis Dellatolas (Ambasada), all of whom have extensive experience in traditional construction and its transmission through hands-on workshops.

Education and the Local Community

As part of the project’s dissemination activities, school visits from the Small Cyclades were organised, allowing students to participate hands-on in the construction process and engage in discussions on the role of dry stone structures within the arid island landscape. The programme concluded with an afternoon walk to the Castle of Irakleia and a celebratory event attended by members of the local community.

Impact and Workshop Manual

The pilot workshop functioned as a dynamic space for learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, with strong participation from the local community. Following its completion, feedback was collected from participants and used to refine and finalise the prototype dry stone walling workshop model, which is now available free in digital format in our resources.

The project “Allaximaria: Design and implementation of a dry stone wall workshop model” is being carried out by The Mitato of Amorgos in collaboration with Boulouki in Ambassada. It is subsidized by the Ministry of Culture, the General Secretariat for the Aegean and Island Policy, and supported by the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF). Transportation was provided by Blue Star Ferries and Small Cyclades Lines.

Info

Location
Irakleia, Cyclades
Date
08/10/2025 - 22/10/2025
Status:
Pillars:
Tags:
Co-organisers
The Mitato of Amorgos
Partners
Boulouki, Ambassada
Photography
Alexandros Zilos
Video
Alexandros Zilos

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