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"The stone walls stood as they had for more than two centuries,simple,sturdy and strong.Mined from the hills and valleys, they rose in a testament to man's inherent desire to leave his mark, to build and create. They thrived in good times, endured the hard times. They changed hands and purpose,yet the stone walls stood." Nora Roberts
![]() Terract!The beauty of landscape comes from the work of man. | ![]() Active ParticipationOnly if man cultivates, shapes the land and sculpts the slopes and the hills, ... | ![]() Primary material. Stone...that combination of beauty and culture, functions and emotions that make up the landscape comes into being. |
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![]() Stone on StoneThe landscape is at the same time the habitat and the living heritage of a community. | ![]() Stone MasonsPanayiotis Panayiotou and Argiris Panayiotou, brothers, partners in building and wine production and artists with the stones. | ![]() Dry stone wallsObserve a backbone of kilometers of dry stone walls built by placing stone on stone without any mortar, to conquer and define the borders of the fertile lands and vineyards. |
![]() Dry Stone WallsThe existence of terraces depends on the constant work to adjust them. They are at the moment endangered by lack of maintenance, disappearance of ancient craft knowledge, use of improper techniques and materials; or intentional destruction. | ![]() UNESCO ProtectedSome of the terraced landscapes have been recognised at international level for their importance and are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. | ![]() Terrace LandcapeCultivated landscapes are a cultural landscape where the work of the farmers has helped to create unique backdrops to the life and the traditions of the local communities. |
![]() Terraces transform slopes in giant steps,slowing erosion,mitigating strong rain effects and settling watercourses which in turn maintain water availability and prevent floods and landslides.Their conservancy and maintenance is the key to preserve the landscape and protect the population. | ![]() Apostolic Olive tree maintenanceOver the centuries,terracing has become an inseparable element of the landscape. | ![]() Cultivate and remove overgrowthsToday, however, the high costs of agriculture in these areas increase the risk of their abandonment. |
![]() Fire BarrierAmong the various possibilities for up-grading these "built structures",tourism is thought to make an important contribution. | ![]() Prune dry branchesThe terraced landscape can be a tourist attraction in and of itself. A niche for rural, naturalistic, wine or gastronomic tourism or a component of an integrated tourist package. | ![]() Family cooperationThe terraced landscape can offer attractive elements to a wider and more articulated tourist system. |
![]() Bundles of old cut vinesThe quality comes from old sturdy roots of grape vines that were planted with care and dedication by our forefathers as well as the new plantings that are derived from the old. | ![]() Vines-Integrating sports activities and tourism in terraced areas. - Exploiting other territorial resources besides terraces such as our Xeros and Diarhizos Rivers. - Accommodation facilities in historical buildings. | ![]() Old bus by old water mill at Xeros.The best time to visit the terraced areas are the in between seasons. The mountain localities register the most consistent affluence of tourism in the winter months. |











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