1 of 13

KOUMELAS QUARRIES

Element:

FIRE / WATER

Nearest Settlement: Koumelas

Location type:

  • Anthropogenic landscape
  • Outdoor

Project Type:

full range of productions (mainly performing arts)

Project Presentation Points:

  1. Julia quarry
  2. Sea ​​quarry
  3. Route

Property:

Private

1

Φάρος Λιβάδας / Παπάργυρας

2 of 13

.

2

In 1909, three quarries named "Sea", "Neon" and "Julia" began to be built in the area of ​​Achinous. The first quarry is located on the edge of the bay, reaching the sea, hence its name. Built walls prevented the passage of the wave, but today, in the now abandoned quarry, the water has formed a kind of lake behind them, reaching up to the marble benches. At the edge, in front of the harbor, had been built a small mole, reinforced with anchors, which ensured the sailing of the sails. Today it is full of water.

In contact with the “Sea” Quarry, the second quarry of Achinous, called “Neon”, was opened. It used have a kitchen, an oven, a café for the staff who stayed there all week, but today there is nothing left.

The third quarry by the name “Julia” is located on a higher point, with impressive, soft but firm marble.

Το Λατομείο του Κουμελά

LOCATION DESCRIPTION

3 of 13

PRODUCTION PLANNING

  • It is a vast expanse of dirt, marbles, old buildings and forgotten quarry tools.
  • Participants must be very careful about their safety.
  • The location cannot be powered.
  • Participants should be careful and consider equipment and materials for project implementation beforehand, due to difficulty in accessing and moving.
  • Auxiliary spaces are not accessible.
  • Participants must have their own supplies, or procure some materials from homes in the neighboring village of Koumelas (there are no shops)
  • There is no access to drinking water.
  • It mainly concerns presentations of performing arts and interactive tours, as well as film productions. It is difficult to place works of art since the possibility of visiting the space is limited.

3

4 of 13

PRODUCTION PLANNING | materials

  • Marble dust. With the addition of water, the marble dust left in many places can also be used as clay.
  • In many parts of the area there are rocks and marbles that can be used, as they are easily detached even by hand.
  • Water
  • Old objects: Ladders, millstones, mechanical cranes, tanks, etc. that are forgotten from the period of operation of the quarry.
  • Moss

5 of 13

PRODUCTION PLANNING

6 of 13

  • Point of Interest 1 / The Sea Quarry

It is the first quarry you will come across and just as impressive. It is dug right by the sea, hence its name.

There are built-in walls that prevented the passage of the wave. At the end, in front of the cape, a small pier has been built, reinforced with struts, which ensured the mooring of the sailboats.

The peculiarity of the quarry is that in its interior has penetrated seawater, creating an artificial lake. The contrast between stagnant and seawater is particularly remarkable.

SUGGESTED POINTS

7 of 13

SUGGESTED POINTS

8 of 13

  • Point of Interest 2 / The Julia quarry

The last of the three quarries in the highest part of the area.

It is extremely impressive and very tall. It is divided into several sections-stands from where the marble was mined. There is access to the first sections by ladder.

Participants will be able to use the levels formed by the marble cuts but with great care.

It is also noteworthy that some trees have sprouted in this area, while on the way to it we find small ecosystems with water, moss and frogs.

The Julia quarry has been dug deep into the mountain and so it gets dark early in the afternoon. This almost hidden spot is ideal for productions of the Fire element.

Due to its very good acoustics, this section is especially suitable for presentations of performing arts.

8

The “Sea” Quarry

SUGGESTED POINTS

9 of 13

Through the marble volumes, small, almost enclosed spaces are formed between the marbles.

SUGGESTED POINTS

10 of 13

11 of 13

  • Point of interest / The path between them

The two quarries are about a 10-minute walk away. Along the way you will encounter many imposing points, as well as tools and elements that reveal human existence and energy in space.

This route is suitable for interactive guided tours.

SUGGESTED POINTS

12 of 13

SUGGESTED POINTS

  • Point of interest / Abandoned tools / buildings

These buildings used to be used for the accommodation and service of the staff. The quarries stayed here all week, it had kitchens, an oven, cafes.

13 of 13

ACCESS

The area of ​​Achinous is located in the northeast part of the island. Its soil is barren but very rich in minerals and in the characteristic green marble. It is located next to the village of Koumelas about 30 km from Chora and 18 km from Pyrgos village. The road to the village of Marlas is paved, then, where the dirt road begins for the quarries and Koumelas village, you will also find other remarkable quarries with green marble extraction. Shortly before you reach the village of Koumelas you will find the entrance to the Achinous quarry.

Access to the public is forbidden and should be consulted with the relevant authorities. If you are interested contact the ΚΟΙΝΩΝΩ team as soon as possible.

Route: Tinos town (Chora) - Koumelas village: https://goo.gl/maps/ibSZLUZJo8DgqkQg9

13