The Art of Dry-Stone Construction on Mount Psiloritis: Memory, Tradition and Perspective.

Dry-stone construction in our region represents far more than a building technique. It is an art form deeply interwoven with shepherding life and the world of the shepherd on Mount Psiloritis. It stands as the architectural expression of the relationship between humans, the mountain landscape, their flocks, and the seasonal cycles shaped by movement across the terrain.

Reintroducing this tradition in the present day responds directly to the need to reconsider the role and future of one of the most enduring human figures of the region—the shepherd of Psiloritis, who has traversed these mountains for centuries.

Within this context, the conference titled “The Art of Dry-Stone Construction: The Human Boundary Between Nature and Culture” took place in Anogeia on June 13–15, 2025. The event was organized as part of the project “Awareness-raising actions for the promotion and protection of the mitata of Psiloritis and the traditional technique of dry-stone structures,” implemented by the Ideon Network, following a proposal by the Municipality of Anogeia, with the support of the AKOMM Psiloritis S.A. (CLLD-LEADER Programme), and the organizational contribution of the Argastiri Cultural Institute.

Throughout the conference, the enduring significance of dry-stone construction and the mitata was highlighted, both as cultural and functional elements of Psiloritis and other regions of Greece that strive to preserve their living heritage. These structures have served—and in many cases continue to serve—as shepherd shelters, dairy storage spaces, agricultural terraces, water management systems, observation points, and places of dwelling and creation. For centuries, dry-stone construction has functioned as a vital tool for survival and cultural formation, shaping landscapes, managing natural resources, and defining agricultural and shepherding areas.

However, the future of this cultural heritage is not guaranteed. Critical challenges such as the shortage of skilled craftsmen, unclear ownership frameworks, and the difficulty of obtaining permits for restoration create significant barriers that threaten the continuity of this tradition.

As emphasized by participants, there is an urgent need to strengthen education and training, as well as to develop sustainable and flexible funding tools for the protection and adaptive reuse of mitata and dry-stone structures. Reviving this craft is not a museum practice, but a dynamic developmental, educational, and cultural strategy—rooted in the needs and potential of mountainous communities.

The conference was attended by representatives of national institutions, local authorities, and academics from the University of Crete and the Technical University of Crete, along with architects, environmental scientists, members of social cooperative enterprises, and representatives from other regions of Greece, including Tinos, Lesbos, and Pindus.

The shared message was clear: the protection and sustainable use of dry-stone heritage is not solely a matter for institutions or experts—it primarily concerns local communities themselves. It is up to these communities to recognize, transmit, and evolve the knowledge of their ancestors. Because on Psiloritis and across the mountainous landscapes of Greece, stone does not simply stand—it speaks. And within the mitata, the memory and future of the place remain alive.