The three-day programme of joint activities and meetings between the UNESCO Global Geoparks of Grevena–Kozani, Vikos–Aoos and Meteora–Pyli was successfully completed from 15 to 17 May 2026 in Pentalofos, Voio, Kozani, under the theme: “UNESCO Geoparks and the Art of Stone.” Through the excellent organization and outstanding hospitality of the host Grevena–Kozani Geopark, the event highlighted the art of stone, traditional architecture, and the craftsmanship of stone builders, elements that historically, culturally, and geologically connect the regions of the three geoparks along the Pindos mountain range.
The Meteora–Pyli Geopark was represented by the Municipality of Meteora and the Municipality of Pyli through presentations on three thematic areas concerning the presentation of the Meteora–Pyli Geopark to the public, with references to its geological identity, its mission, and the actions being planned and implemented, as well as the role of stone in the region and the prospects for future cooperation with neighbouring UNESCO Global Geoparks in this and other fields.
Representing the Municipality of Meteora was the Deputy Mayor for Tourism and Proper Functioning, Fotis Karathanasis, who delivered a presentation on the unique geological, cultural, and historical identity of the Meteora region. The overall presentation of the geological identity of the Meteora–Pyli Geopark, as well as the specialized presentation on the element of stone in the area, was delivered by Efi Fotaki, Deputy Head of the Tourism Office of the Municipality of Pyli / Meteora–Pyli Geopark.
More specifically, beyond the rich geological heritage and its connection with religion, culture, history, the environment, and alternative tourism as promoted through the Geopark’s activities, targeted references were made to man-made structures dating from the 11th century onwards, whose main building material is stone. These include the Holy Monasteries of Meteora and St. Vissarion of Dousiko, churches in all local communities, the traditional settlements of the Aspropotamos area with their distinctive architecture (Athamania, Anthousa, Gardiki, Chaliki, etc.), remarkable stone bridges, archaeological sites, urban and industrial buildings, traditional houses and mansions (“Konakia”), most of which have already been designated as monuments. References were also made to local customs and traditions centred around stone, such as the Vlachostrata and nomadic livestock farming, the Stone of Karamalis, the custom of St. George Mandilas, the Sarakatsani Gathering, and many others. All these elements demonstrate the dynamic potential that can emerge through the proper utilization of geological and cultural heritage. The common denominator shared with the other two Geoparks of the Pindos region, apart from the raw material itself, is also the human factor, as there are documented references to Epirote and Pentalofos master builders who, together with their travelling construction groups (“bouloukia”), built a significant number of these monuments, such as the Bridge of St. Vissarion in Pyli, the Salabrias Bridge in Sarakina, and many others.
During the three-day event, alongside the presentations, experiential workshops and activities were implemented, with one of the highlights being the discussion with local master craftsmen from Pentalofos, who vividly conveyed their experience, knowledge, and way of life through the art of stone masonry, as well as the need to pass on this traditional knowledge to younger generations. Participants also had the opportunity to attend demonstrations of traditional stone carving techniques and to visit important geosites and monuments in the wider area.
This joint initiative constituted an important step in continuing the collaboration, networking, and exchange of good practices that began last year with the Meteora–Pyli Geopark as the first host, further strengthening the dialogue on sustainable development, the protection of cultural heritage, and the promotion of geotourism as a key pillar of development for local communities.
