Heritage in Action - South East Europe Special

Page 112

country dreams

110

Solid as a Rock The long-lasting beauty of dry-stone masonry It is the essence of construction work, the most elemental of building techniques: carefully stacking one stone upon another, fitting one rock next to another, layer by layer without mortar or other materials to keep them together except gravity. Drystone walls and houses seem to be at ease with their natural surroundings, harmoniously fitting in as if they have always been there. The seemingly simple stone constructions have

not only sculpted and moulded the European landscape, they are deeply rooted in local communities. They not only look good, but they are also sustainable and very useful in creating micro-climates, enhancing biodiversity and preventing soil degradation. The techniques, some of which have been in use since prehistoric times, have been perfected over the centuries, handed down from one generation to the


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