Katrani process

Traditional Technology of Pine Tar in Epirus (Greece) A Craft Between Heritage and Modernity

This study examines the traditional technology of pine tar kilns in Greece, focusing on the case of Distrato in Epirus, where the last traditional artisans reside. Pine tar (katrami) is a viscous liquid produced by the destructive distillation of resinous wood, primarily from pine trees. This practice has a long history globally and in the Mediterranean, with applications in medicine, cosmetics, fuels, and waterproofing for construction and shipbuilding.

Authors: Christos Theocharis, Ioanna Doutsis, Panos Kostoulas, Grigoris Koutropoulos

The file is available in French.

Date: 10 October 2025

See also...

Since Boulouki has been working for years in Epirus, it has come close to the needs of local communities. In the framework of this project it aims at enhancing their livelihood and well-being by mapping ecosystems and the services they offer to the sustainable conservation of natural resources with the aim of social and economic well-being and delivering important information and skills for the management and sustainable development of the area focusing on biodiversity-related knowledge, agricultural, traditional livestock grazing practices, landscape and cultural values, traditional water infrastructures and related knowledge on sustainable use of natural resources.

The file is available in Greek.

Since Boulouki has been working for years in Epirus, it has come close to the needs of local communities. In the framework of this project it aims at enhancing their livelihood and well-being by mapping ecosystems and the services they offer to the sustainable conservation of natural resources with the aim of social and economic well-being and delivering important information and skills for the management and sustainable development of the area focusing on biodiversity-related knowledge, agricultural, traditional livestock grazing practices, landscape and cultural values, traditional water infrastructures and related knowledge on sustainable use of natural resources.

The file is available in Greek.

This gallery of models reveals the potential contained in the alliance between heritage preservation and social inclusion. Hopefully it may inspire any organisation or public authority wishing to engage with this kind of initiative and contribute to the development of a sustainable and inclusive heritage restoration.

The H.E.R.O project was implemented under the Erasmus+ programme and was completed after 3 years (2021-2024) of transnational cooperation between 4 actors Acta Vista (France) leading partner, Bao Formation (France), Pour la Solidarite (Belgium), 4Grada Dragodid (Croatia), Boulouki (Greece).

The file is available in English.

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