Intervention for the almond tree and the regeneration of the Kythera River

The need to preserve and highlight one of the the most distinctive cultural and architectural features of Kythira, the almond stone, emphasizes with open letter from Mr. Giannis K. Fardoulis to the Mayor of Kythira, Mr. Efstratios Charhalakis. The letter is being forwarded, among others, to the Municipal Council, the President of the Potamos Local District, local associations, municipal political parties, and the media in Kythira, in order to spark a public debate on preserving the architectural identity of Potamos in light of the planned redevelopment in the region. The open letter follows:

Athens, March 7, 2025

OPEN LETTER

TO:
The Mayor of Kythira, Mr. Efstratios Charchalakis

NOTICE TO:

The President of the City Council and its members
The President of the Potamos Local District
The Kythira River Beautification and Cultural Association
The municipal political group «Kythira–Antikythira: A New Day»
The municipal political group «All Together – Kythira – Antikythira»
The «Free Kythira» municipal party»
The Media in Kythira

SUBJECT:  Almond Stone, the morphological feature of the River.

Honorable Mayor, representatives of associations, municipal political parties, and the media,.

One of the distinctive elements of Tsirigo-style Neoclassicism—or, in moderation, of our folk cultural heritage— elegance, nobility, and natural grace is the almond-shaped stone, which is a defining architectural element of the island. It can be found almost everywhere on the island; personally, I’ve spotted it in Aroniadika, Logothetianika, Potamos, and Livadi.

In Potamos, we find it on the curbs of the square, on the staircases of residential buildings, on the doorways of homes and stores, and even in unique color schemes.

The almond-shaped stone is used as a curb to demarcate and separate the square from the street. In this capacity, the almond-shaped stone runs from the kiosk to the Parthenon (portico). Unfortunately, the last section of this has been covered with cement, and its side has been painted with lime. Of course, it can also be used to contain and demarcate the sidewalk along the road.

The almond stone is of special value; it is the square’s jewel, giving the village a distinctive character. However, it needs care. Care, maintenance, and cleanliness are elements of culture.

With my heightened awareness of what is happening in my village, it is inconceivable to me that the distinctive features of the river and the square could become a thing of the past and fond memories.  Has folk culture suddenly become unwanted, superfluous?;

Has this charm of the River and the square gradually lost its significance? Is it on the margins of society?;

I consider the promotion of this to be an urgent necessity of our time almond stone where it exists, of the pebbled, the Community Hall, etc. I’m thinking about the River in 2050, and I don’t want it to lose its historical character, its identity.

Of particular value is Eleni Harou’s online presentation on the almond stones of Kythira, in which she continues to recount in detail the events that took place, while also preserving and building upon the island’s heritage.

Let those more knowledgeable than I correct me, but from some research I did on the subject, I found that the scientific name for «almond stone,» a sedimentary rock, is «travertine» in the field of petrology. Travertine is formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate in groundwater, which gives it great strength and durability.   Archaeologist Irini Poupaki identified “almond stone” (a type of local travertine) mines on the island of Kos. Decorating with travertine has a very long history in Europe. Its long history, distinctive classical atmosphere, and strong sense of artistry are all unparalleled.

Specifically, my suggestions are as follows:

First: The curb, to the right and left of the entrance, the pharmacy, and along the entire main street leading uphill, the pavement should be replaced with cobblestones. Also, in this section where the sidewalk is narrow—and in some places barely wide enough—almond-shaped stones should be laid there as well. I am strongly opposed to the removal of the sidewalk.

Second: The curb around the square using the existing almond-shaped stone from the kiosk to the Parthenon (portico) to be highlighted, new stone to be laid where it was covered or removed, and the lime to be removed wherever it is present. Also, in the square, at selected points, the almond stone slabs would blend aesthetically with the curb.

Third: I read in the online press that, following a decision by the Regional Governor of Attica, Mr. Nikos Hardalias, and the Regional Council, new major development projects for our municipality have been included in the Region’s Program of Projects to Be Implemented, specifically the «Comprehensive Redevelopment of the Kythira River» with a budget of €1,400,000 (National Component of the Public Investment Program) funded by the Deposits and Loans Fund.

I ask So, if a private consultant has been commissioned to prepare a study for the revitalization of the river, plans have been drawn up, and the river’s morphological features have been taken into account, or almond stone, the cobblestone path;  Will the sidewalk be preserved? Are water features and green spaces planned? Is approval required from the Central Architectural Council? Has a public consultation been held? I am awaiting a response from the municipal authorities.

We have a moral obligation to our cultural heritage. The almond stone, an integral part of our cultural history, is also a pillar of who we are. It is our identity, and it is worth protecting at all costs.

We must pass this legacy on to the people of Potami—and not only to them—so that they, in turn, may cherish, love, and honor it for generations to come.

I hope—and I urge you—to listen carefully to my thoughts and suggestions and to take them into account in the revitalization of the River. I remain at your disposal for any related discussion.

With respect

Yannis K. Fardoulis