Follow the steps of Greek ancient sculptor
Mini Marble Workshop in Tinos
Create your marble souvenir. Learn how to curve a marble piece into a marble craft
In the charming village of Pyrgos, you may unleash your inner sculptor and enjoy an incredible experience while making your work of marble art.
In Pyrgos, where the greatest sculptors of Tinos were born and raised, marble sculpture emerged as the community’s defining aesthetic. The craft of marble sculpting developed particularly in the communities of Exo Meria, Pyrgos, and Isternia. The School of Fine Arts in Pyrgos, which has been in operation since 1955 and specializes in the craft of marble sculpture, contributes to upholding the legacy of this folk art, which has a long history in the region dating back to ancient times.
The Tinian marble art is the only one that has been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Its centuries-old practice by local artisans, along with the traditions and practices that go along with it, are components of the cultural identity of these settlements as well as the entire island.
After meeting your guide, you will take a short walk through the village. Pyrgos not only produces marble art but is itself a work of art that will leave you amazed. Marble elements are everywhere. You’ll enjoy them at the bus stop at the entrance to the village, in the square with its overgrown plane tree and impressive 1778 fountain, and in every house and street. The temples and pulpits in the churches of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Dimitrios, the tombstones and fountains, as well as various doorways and lintels were made with care by local marble sculptors.
The tour continues with a visit to the Museum of Marble Crafts in Pyrgos, to get a sense of the significance of marble on the island as well as a history lesson on the first methods of extraction and design.
And right after, you will meet Michalis Saltamanikas, a local craftsman, in his studio and you will be introduced to the art of marble.
You will have the chance to discover more about the local tradition of the Art of Marble, the process of cutting marble, the famed green marble found on Tinos, as well as its contemporary applications and techniques
During your visit to Michalis’ studio, you will get hands-on the marble carving worktable.
You will design, sketch, and curve the shape on a raw piece of marble by taking back home your work of art as a souvenir of your memorable holidays in Tinos.
The tour ends at your meeting point.
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Tour Duration:
5 hours
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Departure:
Every Day upon request
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Persons:
min 2 – max 7
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Starting Time:
10.30 am
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Starts/Ends:
Pyrgos Village
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Details:
This tour includes a dose of walking in the village of Pyrgos.
For guests from other parts of the island, pick up from their accommodation upon request.
For less than three (2) people the tour will take place upon request, contact for details
Highlights:
A mini marble workshop
Pyrgos Village a guided visit
Museum of Marble Crafts Visit
Inclusions:
A unique guided tour in Pyrgos Village by an expert certified guide
A mini marble workshop
English, French, and Italian-speaking guide/driver
Local delicacies and coffee break
Free Map, water, local snacks, and digital photos to share with your friends
Exclusions:
Transfer to Pyrgos Village (upon request)
Gratuities (optional)
Know before you go:
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Children 5 and younger are free given that they do not occupy their own seat.
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Children over 5 can book when accompanied by an adult
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Short walk to Pyrgos Village, with a walking time of around 20 minutes -not suitable for those with walking difficulties
- This activity is not wheelchair accessible
- Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels – extra charge
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
Michalis Saltamanikas
Michael first came into contact with sculpting during his apprenticeship with the woodcarver Evangelos Kagiorgis. Afterward, he practiced his first marble sculpture techniques with his grandfather Lazaros Artemios Valakas.
From 1987 to 1990, he attended Pyrgos’ School of Fine Arts to further his studies. After receiving his degree, he pursued a career as a marble sculptor in the vicinity of Chondrogiannis, Diamantopoulos, and Filippotis’ studios.
When he was prepared, in 1997, he established his marble sculptor workshop and has been producing marble and stone sculptures ever since. His themes are inspired by the customs of the area, the natural beauty of Tinos, and the sea, all of which he has had direct contact with since he was a small child as the son of a naval officer.