About dry stone

Dry stone is an ancient construction technique that combines the functionality and beauty of natural materials. It is formed by stacking stones on top of each other, without the use of binding material – only sometimes with the addition of dry soil. Thanks to its simplicity and practicality, dry stones have always played a key role in shaping the landscape, especially in Mediterranean areas. We know them under various names, such as gromača, mocira, boundary, fence or prizida, and each of them carries the specifics of the local tradition. There are several types of dry stone, and the most common are:

• Double wall or wall with two faces – the most common form. It consists of two outer layers of stones, between which finer stones are placed as fillings. It is used for fence walls, sheep pens or as part of more complex construction structures.
• Retaining wall – it leans on earthen or stone substrate and is used to retain soil or stone embankments.
• Single wall or single faced wall – it is built by stacking untreated stone in one row and is usually used as a fence in pastures.

Dry stones are a symbol of connection with nature and tradition and a reminder of the skills and persistence of our ancestors. It connects the countries of the world under the auspices of UNESCO, more in a film about tradition, nature and human skill: